Is water affecting my car?

Hello Paul, I drive an automatic RAV 4 1998 model. Of late, when I drive in the rain or through water-filled potholes, the engine makes a lot of noise and it feels like I am driving in one gear. I then have to drive a long distance for it to shift gear. What could be the issue? Phillip Bwabye

Hello Phillip, your RAV4 may be letting in small amounts of rain water from potholes and puddles when you splash through as you drive. This sort of water can penetrate the air intake system if you wade through deep potholes with a car which is not fitted with a snorkel kit.
When your air intake tunnel sucks in water mixed with air, it affects the fuel air ratio and prevents efficient combustion of fuel. This leads to engine misfire, reduced performance and poor fuel economy. Water in the air intake tunnel can also lead to hydrolock and serious engine damage. At the intake stroke water in deep potholes can be sucked into the engine through the intake manifolds. During the compression stroke, when the piston goes up, the water trapped in the cylinder will not compress. This creates a force (hydrolock) which blocks the pistons and can lead to severe engine damage of the con rod and a crack in the piston. Have the intake tunnel air pick up point, usually around the wheel arch inspected to ensure it does not allow in road splashes or water in puddles. Avoid driving through deep potholes or puddles.