Can a car still be used after being repaired if the water level reached the seats?
2 Answers
Can a car still be used after being repaired if the water level reached the seats? The repair methods for water-damaged cars are as follows: Minor flooding but can start normally: When the water level reaches the middle of the tires, water enters the interior, and the carpets get soaked, the vehicle can still start and drive normally. It is necessary to remove and reinstall the seats and carpets for cleaning and drying; check the fluids in regular maintenance items; Severe flooding, unsure if it can start normally: When the water level has reached the door anti-collision strip, water enters the interior, and the carpets get soaked. Immediately notify the insurance company for on-site inspection, and after the inspection is completed, tow the vehicle out of the water as soon as possible. During this process, do not start the engine. Disassemble related components for cleaning and replacement. Since the water level is very high, the possibility of engine water ingress cannot be ruled out, so disassembly inspection and cleaning are required.
Last time my car was flooded up to the seat level, and after repairs, it always felt a bit off. The repair shop said they replaced the carpet and wiring harness, but the dashboard occasionally goes haywire during startup, and the AC has a musty smell. The biggest concern with flood-damaged cars is electrical issues—dozens of computer modules soaked in water are like ticking time bombs; you never know when a window might suddenly stop working. Plus, the chassis bearings and brake calipers are prone to rust. When I tried to sell it six months later, even used car dealers shook their heads. My advice: keep the repair receipts and only drive with confidence if critical components come with extended warranties.
