Can You Not Remove the Carpet When a Car Gets Flooded?
3 Answers
You need to remove the carpet when a car gets flooded. After flooding, the car carpet absorbs a large amount of water. If not removed promptly, the accumulated water will cause a foul odor that lingers and fails to evaporate, significantly impacting the driving and riding experience. The interior and carpets of a flooded vehicle absorb substantial moisture—squeezing the inner sponge will release a lot of water. Since the interior is mostly made of fabric or leather, prolonged soaking in water leads to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Hence, the distinct smell of a flooded car is easily recognizable. Therefore, it's essential to remove these soaked carpets as soon as possible, clean them thoroughly, and dry them under direct sunlight to eliminate moisture.
I've seen many cases of waterlogged cars, and it's crucial not to skip removing the carpet for treatment. Water seeping through the gaps into the underlying layers of the carpet will accumulate there, leading to rust and corrosion on the car's underbody. Even worse, it can foster mold growth, producing unpleasant odors that affect respiratory health. Over time, the electrical circuits may also short-circuit, making repairs more expensive. I once worked on a flood-damaged car where the owner delayed removing the carpet, resulting in severe underbody rust that required major repairs, costing several thousand more. Remember, after water ingress, drive to a repair shop as soon as possible, remove the carpet for thorough cleaning and drying, then apply rustproofing spray to protect the car's body. This bit of hassle can prevent greater losses and ensure safety.
When dealing with water in my car by myself, I tried using just a vacuum cleaner to suck up the water without removing the carpet, but it didn't solve the problem at all. The hidden moisture under the carpet slowly spread, causing the seats to mold and the chassis to rust. It wasn't until a few days later when the smell became unbearable that I realized my mistake. Later, after removing the carpet and drying it, I discovered a large area of water that required professional drying equipment to handle. If water in the car isn't cleaned up promptly, it can easily lead to electrical damage, and insurance might not even cover it. I recommend not skimping on this—remove the carpet immediately to check and prevent future issues, reducing subsequent repair costs.
