Discover the Tips and What to Do for Flooded Car Repair!

A flooded car repair is a big problem for everyone. Flooding is a natural disaster that can happen anytime and anywhere, and if you own a car, flooding can be a threat to your vehicle. If your car is flooded, it can cause serious damage to the engine and other components.

Therefore, it is important that you take immediate action to mitigate any damage that may occur. The following article TransTRACK will discuss some things you should know if your car is flooded.

Car flooded repair, what to do?

If you’ve just found your car in a pool of water, and you don’t know what to do. Here are a few things you can do to try to redeem your car before the damage gets too severe.

Survey the damage

When you find your car flooded, please see how much damage it could have sustained. While doing the inspection, also take pictures for your insurance in case you need them.

Starting it without knowing whether there is water in the engine or not can be detrimental to your engine. When you start the engine with water, it can result in hydrolocks where the pistons fail to compress as they should. Hydrolocks can result in a huge repair bill or equal to buying a new car.

Dry your car as much as possible

When your car is flooded, the first thing you should do is make sure you get as much moisture out of the car as possible. If you don’t dry your vehicle, mold will grow, and it will always smell musty. If your car is still in the flooded area, take it to higher ground using a towing service, and then dry it.

Drying your car as quickly as possible can save you more damage than necessary. You can use a wet or dry vacuum cleaner to suck up all the standing water. Using a regular vacuum cleaner may cause electric shock. Be sure to remove as much water as possible.

To dry the car seats and cushions, you can use a dry towel.

Applying for insurance

If you have comprehensive car insurance, your insurance company will pay for repairs or pay you the value of the car when it is totaled. Most other insurance policies only cover damage that is not too extensive and does not involve flood damage.

With a comprehensive insurance policy, you can contact your agent and inform them about the condition of your car so that you can decide how to proceed. Remember that your comprehensive policy covers most repairs from floor mats to engines in the workshop.

If your policy covers theft and fire, chances are it also covers flooding. Study your insurance policy thoroughly to make sure what it covers and what it doesn’t.

Ventilate your car

If it’s a sunny day, you’re in luck. Open all your car doors after drying and cleaning the car. Good airflow inside your vehicle will help eliminate foul odors, dry the car, and prevent mold and mildew. If the weather is unfavorable, you can use a fan to dry the car interior.

If your seats are removable, take them off to dry in the sun. There are items in your car that may need to be replaced, including carpets, mats, upholstery, and door panels. Having mold and foul odors on your vehicle can cause a decrease in its value, and it will be difficult to sell it at a later date.

Check the oil

Water getting into your car’s oil can cause many engine problems. The presence of water droplets on the dipstick means you have a potential problem. This is why you never start your car after it has been damaged by water. You can change the oil in your vehicle or call a mechanic to do it for you. The tank should be emptied to remove all the water.

Test the car’s electrical components

Water and electronics are big enemies. You need to know if any part of your car has water damage before it causes problems later on. Check your car’s wiring before you even decide to start your vehicle. If the wiring is fine, you can now start checking other aspects of the car’s electronics to make sure everything is fine.

You can check the headlights, turn signals, power locks, taillights, power windows, and other components connected to the car’s wiring. Also check the brakes, clutch, power steering, coolant reservoir, and steering for damage.

Consider your options carefully.

If your car has been evaluated, check if the cost of repairs is higher or equal to the price of a new car. If repairing the vehicle is more expensive, you should start looking for another vehicle. When looking to buy a used car, check the car’s history, repairs, ownership, branding title, among other things. Make sure a mechanic you trust inspects the vehicle to ensure everything is fine.

How to repair a flood-damaged vehicle

After identifying the flood damage, it’s time to fix it. While some of the faults are complicated, there are some small fixes you can do at home to get your car ready for the road.

How to deal with interior dampness

By far, the easiest flood damage repair you can do is to tackle the moisture left inside your car’s interior.

1. Open your windows: This will allow fresh air to circulate your car and help remove odors.
2. Remove the seats: Removing your car seats can allow them to air out. It will also provide easier access to carpets and hard-to-reach areas.
3. Dehumidify: A dehumidifier can speed up these repairs exponentially. Place one inside your car and let it work overnight to absorb the remaining water left inside.

How to car flooded repair

Some engine damage can only be repaired by a professional mechanic. However, there are some simple things you can do to diagnose engine damage caused by flooding.

Note:  DO NOT attempt to car flooded repair that is submerged in saltwater. Saltwater causes permanent damage and therefore cannot be repaired.

1. Check the oil: Using your dipstick, check how much oil is left in your car. If the oil is low or thin, it needs to be replaced.
2. Open the fuel cap: Although the fuel cap does a good job of locking in gasoline and diesel, when both are fully submerged in water, this water will enter your fuel tank. To check, open your fuel cap and try to see if there’s any standing water inside the cap. If there is, your fuel tank needs to be drained.
3. Remove and replace the spark plug: After a flood, the engine will very often be clogged with water, making it unable to start. To clear the remaining water left inside the engine, remove the spark plug and turn on the ignition. You will notice that your car is not turning and water will come out of the engine.
4. Replace the filters: After flood damage, your pollen, oil, and fuel filters will need to be replaced. To do this, consult your car’s service manual to find their locations and part numbers.

Safe limit for cars to drive through or be submerged in floods

There is no definite limit to the water level at which a car is still safe to drive through or be submerged. This depends on many factors such as the type of car, water depth, water speed, and road conditions under the water. However, as a general rule, you should avoid driving through a flooded area if the depth of the water has reached the bottom of the car or reaches the car tires. Also, be sure to check that the path you are about to take does not have any potholes, potholes, or other hard objects under the water that could damage your car. If you have to drive through a waterlogged area, make sure to drive at a low speed and stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t push yourself if the situation is already very dangerous, rather wait for the water to recede or find a safer alternative route.

A flooded car can be a big problem, but proper action can reduce damage and minimize repair costs. If your car is flooded, do not attempt to start the engine and immediately pull the ignition key from the socket. Next, check the condition of the car and check if there is any damage done to the engine or other components. If you feel hesitant to check on your own, it’s best to ask for expert help. You can also use TransTRACK’s  Vehicle Maintenance System to troubleshoot your vehicle. You can manage repair schedules and costs and get maintenance from TransTRACK’s expert mechanics. TransTRACK, Number 1 in Fleet Management Solutions!