With the increasing cases of extreme weather conditions like flash floods and hurricanes, you may easily get caught in a driveway flooded with water. Vehicle flooding is not an uncommon sight. Your car, which was a daily convenience, may turn into a dirty, wet, and stressful nightmare due to water damage. Water does not just wet your seats; it may destroy your car engine, electronics, and safety systems.
You may find the post-flood situation daunting. What will you do in case your car floods? Shall you attempt to start the car? Call your insurance? Tow it right away? Doing just the right thing quickly is what could be the best way to save your automobile or entirely lose it. Let us guide you through the process of resolving this in case your car is caught in the floods.
Step One: Put Safety First
Don't start your car to check whether the engine still runs. Turning the key can lead to irreparable damage. If water had made its way to the engine bay, it could have damaged the cylinders. Attempting to start the car in this condition may result in so-called 'hydrolock'—a condition which can ruin the engine as a result of a mechanical breakdown.
Touch nothing until you disconnect the battery. Water and electricity don't go well, and even tiny currents flowing through flooded circuits may lead to short-circuiting and fire. The best method of stopping any additional damage is to cut the power.
Step Two: Evaluate the Situation
When you find it safe to inspect your car, have a close look at the depth of the water. There will be a watermark in or out of the vehicle. This line will tell you a lot.
- If the water stops at the floorboards, the carpets and wiring below the seats may be damaged.
- Provided that it has reached the dashboard, there is a high likelihood that the electrical systems, computer modules, and engine components are affected.
The higher the watermark, the harder and more costly the repairs would be.
Step Three: Ventilate and Dry Out
If water gets inside, roll down your car's window or open the door to let fresh air in. It will help prevent mold and mildew growth. Remove standing water with a wet/dry vacuum or even towels. If your car has a drain plug under the floor, remove such plugs to allow water to flow out.
Once you have squeezed all the water out, install some fans in the car or have a dehumidifier. The sooner the interior is dry, the more likely you are to save the upholstery, wiring, and insulation.
Step Four: Replacement and Draining Fluids
The floodwater does not remain on the surface. It may leak into the fluids of your car, rendering them milky and useless. The engine oil, transmission oil, and even the brake fluid are contaminated. Otherwise, this may lead to severe corrosion and eventual breakdown.
You had better empty such fluids and replace them. Although you may feel that the engine bay was not submerged, do the right thing. Water will find its way to areas you may not anticipate, and fresh fluids will help protect your systems from further damage.
Step Five: Inspect the Engine
If your car is in deep water, it is crucial to first check the engine before starting. Remove the spark plugs and check if there is any water in the cylinders. When you crank the engine by hand and find that water squirts out, then you have saved it from the hydrolock damage.
Secondly, you should wipe out the air intake system. Flood water may leave behind mud, silt, or debris, which may choke your engine or destroy sensors. It is only after a careful examination that you can even think of starting the vehicle.
Step Six: Inspection of the Fuel System
The other risk that is not visible is water in the tank. Water is not as light as gasoline, and so it will be at the bottom. Before long, siphon a little fuel to determine whether water has been mixed in. When it has, then empty the tank and run the fuel lines. Operating an engine with dirty fuel may easily destroy it.
Step Seven: Check on Electrical Systems
Cars in modern times are very dependent on electronics. Regrettably, the same systems are the ones to collapse when water comes in contact with them. It can be fuses, relays, lights, sensors, and even the onboard computer.
You can reuse some components after drying them thoroughly, while others may need replacement. The procedure is both time-consuming and expensive. This usually forms the determining factor as to whether to save a flooded car or not.
What to Do If Your Car Has Not Broken Down?
Having succeeded in cleaning and drying the stuff, and finally the car actually starts, don't celebrate too soon. Water damage may begin to manifest itself weeks and months after the initial incident. That's why it is wise to seek the services of a professional right now. A mechanic will check the systems, identify any issues you may not see, and rectify problems before they become costly repairs.
Starting the Car When the Engine Fails
In case the car does not start or the damage seems to be serious, there are many possibilities. In some cases, it is better to sell your vehicle in its current condition or salvage it instead of spending money on repairs.
If such an incident occurs, you will need professional towing or vehicle transportation to transport the car. Consult an experienced towing service provider who will take your vehicle to a reliable mechanic, repair shop, or salvage yard without placing an additional burden on your already challenged circumstances.
Insurance and Flood Damage
Remember to notify your insurance company early enough. Flood damage is usually covered under comprehensive auto insurance, although this may not always be true. Capture close-up shots of your car (interior and exterior), the water level, and the damage. The greater the evidence that you have, the easier it will be to make a successful claim.
Take Quick Actions to Save Your Car from Water Damage
Flood water can render your car useless, and navigating this situation can be overwhelming. Follow our expert tips and seek professional help to recover your vehicle successfully. Ensure your safety and take the right actions quickly that will save your valuable time and money.
