Are Flood-Damaged Cars Directly Scrapped?
2 Answers
Flood-damaged cars are not necessarily directly scrapped. The relevant explanations are as follows: 1. Classification: If the water level exceeds the car's chassis, it is called a water-immersed car; if the water level exceeds the oil dipstick, it can be referred to as a semi-flooded car; if the water level has exceeded the engine hood or the instrument panel, then it is called a fully flooded car. From a technical perspective, all three types of water-damaged cars can be repaired to some extent. 2. Precautions: Even after repair, flood-damaged cars still have serious hidden dangers. The longer the soaking time, the higher the probability of malfunctions, and they cannot be completely repaired. If the flooding is severe, it is also a good choice for the owner to opt for scrapping.
As an ordinary car owner, my car was nearly flooded during last year's rainy season, and I later learned that water-damaged cars aren't necessarily totaled. The key factor is the water level: if it only reaches below the wheel hubs, simply cleaning out the mud and replacing the air filter can suffice—I've done this myself. However, if the water reaches the dashboard or higher, the entire electronic system and engine could be severely damaged, making repairs costly and troublesome, often leading to the car being totaled as the more economical option. I've also seen a friend's car repaired after being water-damaged, but within months, it started having frequent electronic failures, posing significant safety risks. Experts recommend a thorough inspection after flooding, especially focusing on the brakes and air conditioning system. If the water depth exceeds the door sill or the car has been submerged for too long, insurance companies often declare it a total loss. So don't rush to scrap the car—first assess the flood level, as shallow water damage can still be salvageable.
