Most cars aren’t built for water activities. Even three to five-inch puddles can cause mechanical problems under the hood of your car.

When possible, it’s best to avoid deep puddles, or at least drive slowly through them, to prevent water from splashing into the upper part of the vehicle. But, if you are unlucky enough to stall in water, chances are, one of the following 4 things will happen …

1. You will Wet your Spark Plugs

When you drive through a puddle, the spark plugs can become wet and will not fire. Wet spark plugs cause a short between the water and the plug and therefore cutting the power to your engine.

2. There is Water in the Fuel System

If water gets into the air intake system of your car and enters the fuel system, it can alter the air/fuel ratio and lessen engine power. This situation is also known as hydrolock and can cause the engine to stall.

If the water in the combustion chamber is in small amounts, it is often eliminated by engine heat. Keep in mind that this situation can also cause an electrical short in the spark plugs, as mentioned above.

3. Your Car Has a Damaged Connection Rod

Since water doesn’t easily compress, it overloads the connection rod. After hitting the accelerator, you’ll hear a clunking sound, since the piston can’t compress the water. The connection rod can be knocked out or deformed. This typically results in engine damage and may even destroy the engine entirely. So, stay clear of deep water!

4. Your Car Has a Cracked Catalytic Converter

Driving through deep puddles can cause a cracked catalytic converter. This device operates at high temperatures and is part of the exhaust system. When it comes in contact with cold water, rapid contraction can crack its sides and potentially cause the vehicle to stall. It’s a very expensive component to replace!

So, what do you do, when your car stalls in water?

When a car stalls in water, just remember, the first thing is to stay calm and stay safe. If you’re handy and have the right tools, you may be able to re-start the car depending on the problem. Wet spark plugs can be removed, and water in the cylinders can be removed. After that, just re-install the spark plugs.

Another option is to push the car out of the puddle to dry ground and wait for the electrical systems to dry out. If that doesn’t work, you’ll probably have to call a tow truck. It’s a hassle, but one that comes along with rainy days.

If the engine damage is due to water compression, you can attempt to pump oil to achieve some compression. However, severe engine damage will likely require the expertise of a mechanic.

1. Try to stick to a theme 

Just like with art and furniture collectors, great car fanatics focus on styles, periods, or individuals to help shape their collections. This is what makes them so special. By focusing in on a particular brand, model or age you can really immerse yourself its world.

2. Storage is key

The average house only provides homeowners with the ability to squeeze a few cars in. therefore as a collector it is vital to find the perfect place for your vehicles to be kept. The right place can range from warehouses to specialised facilities.

3. You can never have too much space

You always need more space than you think! Considering this when planning things like garage ceiling heights will mean that you could add things such as lifts in the future. Shelving and storage are another key consideration, this will allow you to stay organised and ensure your collection remains in the best possible condition.

4. Team work makes the dream work

Once you know what your focus will be its a great idea to find like-minded individuals. There are many collectors clubs out there often with local members who you can talk and meet with. Not only does this hobby add a social element, clubs and associations can be great resources to gain a different perspective to technical ideas whilst gaining new leads for where to find rare or discontinued parts.

5. Why not Race?

As much as driving your classic car collection around your local area can be fun the real fun starts when you get into organised races. Cars often come alive when you’re with other people who know and care about them. Many races can take you to other country’s and create real experiences which will make you fall even more in love with your collection.

6. The level of work load is a vital decision

The level of passion towards car collecting can determine whether the maintenance and repair work that goes into developing the collection is seen to be a source of pleasure or a chore. It is important to develop an understanding of where in that scale you stand, as this will guide what cars you should purchase. Don’t try and take on a complete engine rebuild if this will detract from your passion and love for the collection.

7. The passion doesn’t just belong in the garage.

Along with the cars themselves, classic cars provide a lot of marketing materials such as posters, and models, therefore incorporation into your home will be easy. Not only will incorporating classic cars in your home be easy to do and at a unique touch, it will also develop and strengthen your knowledge in classic cars.

8. Nothing compares to getting behind the wheel

One of the worst things you can do to an old car is let it just sit around. Get in the driving seat and take it for a spin!

If you are struggling to pick Christmas presents for your car-crazy friends and relatives this year, fear not, Viper Performance has you covered. Our hand-picked selection of presents and stocking filler ideas includes something for everyone.

Here are our top 4 picks for Christmas…

1. Gas Clutch Socks – Amazon

New drivers should know it’s not safe to use both feet on the pedals, but at least these socks will help them remember which side is the clutch and which is the gas.

2. Speedometer & Fuel Gauge Cufflinks – Amazon

These will make getting dressed-up in a suit a little easier. Any guy who’s into cars knows it’s all about the tiny details, and these speedometer and gauge cufflinks are just that.

3. Car Hacks Book – Amazon

The latest in a long line of Haynes car maintenance guides is an interesting twist on the traditional workshop manual. Instead of focusing on a single car, “Car Hacks” it highlights ingenious ways of keeping your motor in top condition.

4. Ciao, Stirling – Amazon 

The inside story of a motor racing legend. Pirie’s account shines a whole new light on the legend that is Sir Stirling, and promises to be perfect for anyone after engrossing cover-to-cover read on Christmas Day.

Here at Viper Performance, we are a UK silicone hose specialist for unrivaled quality and service. A trusted leading brand of Silicone Hoses and associated fluid transfer product supplying Motorsport, Race teams, Marine, Military, Trucks, Buses, Bikes, Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Machinery, Plant, Commercial vehicles, the Rail industry, and more.

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