Can a Flood-Damaged Car Be Driven After Repair?
3 Answers
Mildly flood-damaged vehicles can be driven after repairs, but fully submerged cars are recommended to be scrapped directly. Some cars may have water levels just reaching the chassis, causing dampness in the floorboard with minimal risk of significant water ingress. The impact on electrical components is relatively minor, and such vehicles can be restored to proper working condition through repairs. These repaired cars can be driven without any issues. Flood-damaged cars are prone to interior mold growth: The most noticeable and superficial issue with flood-damaged cars is the high likelihood of interior mold. Interior materials are mostly absorbent, and rainwater contains numerous impurities and bacteria. The enclosed and poorly ventilated cabin space creates extremely high humidity after flooding, making the car interior susceptible to mold growth. Flood-damaged cars may develop engine damage later: If the engine has been flooded, attempting to start the car can cause severe connecting rod deformation. Insurance companies often deny claims for such damages.
My uncle bought a flood-damaged used car last year to save money, but it started acting up just a month after repairs. It ran smoothly at startup, but the power windows malfunctioned on rainy days, and there was a musty smell. The mechanic privately said such cars are like ticking time bombs—rusted chassis wiring can never be fully repaired. Now he brakes nervously, fearing the ABS might fail. The scariest part was last month when the transmission suddenly got stuck—had he not been driving slowly in an alley, he might have rear-ended someone. My advice: never touch any flood-damaged car submerged above the tires, no matter how well it’s fixed. Life is worth more than a car.
We just got a knee-deep waterlogged Corolla in the workshop, and the owner insists on repairing it as a commuter car. When we removed the carpets, they were covered in mud stains, and all the wiring harness connectors had green corrosion. We replaced the ECU and let it dry for three days. Now it can start, but the reverse radar keeps giving false alarms, and the wipers suddenly move on their own. The biggest issue is that the connectors that didn't get completely soaked will slowly oxidize over time, and the car might stall unexpectedly someday. This kind of car might barely run after repairs, but the electronic components have a particularly high failure rate, especially in rainy weather when they're prone to acting up. It's advised not to take it on long trips, let alone the highway.
