At What Water Level is a Car Considered Flooded?
3 Answers
There are two levels of flood damage to a car. The first is when the water level reaches the height of the car's headlights, which is considered a partial flood. If the water level continues to rise, surpassing the hood and even covering the roof, this is considered a complete flood. Related Information: 1. Precautions: Both levels of flood damage are quite severe, with half or even the entire vehicle submerged in water. Unless the price is extremely low, it is not advisable to purchase such vehicles, as the subsequent repair costs can be very high. 2. Additional Information: A water-damaged car with minor flooding typically has water just covering the wheels, with the car's chassis completely submerged. This level is referred to as a water-damaged car. For such vehicles, as long as the chassis is not submerged for an extended period, the issues are not too severe. Later, anti-corrosion maintenance for the vehicle's chassis will suffice.
After the last heavy rain, my neighbor's car got flooded. I helped him ask the repair shop technician and learned that flood-damaged cars are categorized into three levels based on water depth: if the water just reaches the middle of the wheels, it's considered mild flooding, which can cause rust on the chassis and wiring; if the water reaches the seat cushions, it's moderate flooding, and the carpets and electronics inside the car are completely ruined; if the water rises above the dashboard or even the roof, it's severe flood damage. My neighbor's car was flooded just below the seats, and the mechanic said such a car would likely develop mold and rust in the future, with its resale value cut in half. It's advised to check the humidity of the car's carpets after rain and be alert if you smell mold.
I've worked in a repair shop for several years, and the standard for water-damaged cars mainly depends on the flooding level: half the height of the wheels is considered entry-level, and the chassis can still be repaired for use; if water enters the cabin and reaches the foot mat area, it becomes troublesome, requiring seat removal and drying of the wiring; the worst is when water floods past the center console—such cars are basically totaled. I remember a Tiguan flooded up to the seat height, costing over 8,000 yuan in repairs but still had electrical leakage issues. A reminder to all car owners: avoid parking in low-lying areas during rainy days, and after driving through water, immediately check the air vents for mud or sand—these are telltale signs of water damage.
