Can a water-soaked car dry out on its own?
4 Answers
Car soaked in water cannot dry out on its own. Here is relevant information: 1. Classification: There are two types of insurance related to vehicle water immersion—the most common one is vehicle damage insurance, and the other is called engine special loss insurance, commonly known as water immersion insurance. 2. Insurance compensation: The scope of water immersion insurance is relatively narrow, generally covering various expenses incurred when the engine is submerged in water under normal driving conditions, provided that the vehicle is not restarted after the engine is flooded. However, relatively few people opt for water immersion insurance. Currently, the main insurance that covers compensation for natural disasters such as heavy rain is vehicle damage insurance, which can basically cover all vehicle losses. If a vehicle is soaked in water, as long as the engine is not flooded and only parts replacement or circuit repairs are needed, these fall under the coverage of vehicle damage insurance.
As a friend who frequently deals with accident vehicles, I must say that waterlogged cars should never be simply left to air dry. Water seeping into the electronic systems, such as the computer board beneath the dashboard, can cause short circuits once wet, leading to a completely blacked-out dashboard or even a fire hazard. Rust spreads quickly on the metal parts of the car body, especially in areas like door frames and engine hood gaps, where rust can become visible in less than a week. Mold growth on carpets and seats inside the car is even more troublesome, breeding bacteria that can affect health. It's recommended to immediately disconnect the battery's negative terminal after waterlogging, open all doors for ventilation, and use high-powered fans to dry the car, though this doesn't address the root of the problem. It's best to seek professional repair shops equipped with vacuum drying devices to thoroughly remove moisture, while also checking if fluids like oil have been contaminated with water. Insurance companies often have specific claims processes for such cases, so don't delay reporting the damage to avoid claim rejection. To prevent future incidents, park at higher elevations and avoid low-lying areas during flood seasons.
From a cost-saving perspective, many people consider air-drying waterlogged cars themselves as a convenient solution, but the actual consequences may end up being more expensive. Modern vehicles are densely packed with electronic components. Even if the surface appears dry after water immersion, residual moisture in sensors can trigger false alarms or persistent warning lights, increasing repair complexity. While using desiccant boxes and sun exposure might help during DIY attempts, it's difficult to completely eliminate moisture from hard-to-reach areas like the chassis and sound insulation layers. There may be no immediate issues, but long-term metal corrosion and wiring degradation are inevitable. An experienced auto mechanic I know repeatedly emphasizes never attempting to start the engine after water immersion to avoid secondary damage. Prompt professional inspection (starting from just 150 yuan) can provide initial diagnosis, potentially saving tens of thousands in repair costs. Developing a habit of checking drainage when parking can significantly reduce such risks.
A friend who cares about family safety told me that simply air-drying a flood-damaged car is absolutely not acceptable. The water can cause mold to grow inside the vehicle, especially around the air conditioning vents and under the seats. If children sit inside and inhale the bacteria, they may easily develop coughs or illnesses. Additionally, short circuits in electronic devices could potentially cause electric shocks or lead to accidents. It is recommended to ventilate the car immediately and seek professional cleaning and disinfection services. Don't try to save a small amount of money and end up with major hidden dangers.
