Does a car count as a flood-damaged vehicle if submerged for 2 hours?

[LeCarmen]

Flood-damaged vehicles refer to cars that have been submerged in water, typically meaning the wiring harness has been soaked, the water depth exceeds one-third of the wheel height, and the vehicle's underbody components have been in prolonged contact with water. Below are the relevant classifications: 1. Water-damaged car: If the water level exceeds the vehicle's chassis, it is considered a water-damaged car; if water enters the cabin, it is also classified as a flood-damaged vehicle, though the extent of submersion may vary. If only the cabin is flooded, it is termed a water-damaged car. 2. Semi-flooded car: If the water level surpasses the oil dipstick, it can be referred to as a semi-flooded car. 3. Fully flooded car: If the water level exceeds the engine hood or the dashboard, it is then called a fully flooded car.

[DiGenesis]

I've seen many similar cases at repair shops. Generally, if the water level exceeds the middle axis of the wheels, it's considered a flooded car. Even just two hours can be very dangerous because water quickly seeps into the engine compartment and electrical systems, causing corrosion or short circuits. If not treated promptly after flooding, the car may have difficulty starting or the dashboard may flicker erratically. In the long run, damp and moldy interiors can also pose health hazards, especially during the rainy season when driving is more prone to such incidents. My advice is to immediately turn off the engine and avoid attempting to start it if you encounter this situation. Tow it to a professional shop for a thorough inspection of seals and fuses. Spending a little on repairs can prevent major troubles, as driving safety should always come first. It's also important to develop the habit of checking the height under your car regularly.

[DeCalvin]

Previously, when my car was parked in a low-lying area during a heavy rainstorm, it malfunctioned after being submerged for less than two hours. At the time, the lights kept flashing and there were strange noises. When I took it for repairs, the mechanic said water entering the wiring was common. Now I realize that as long as the water level rises above the chassis, even for a short time, it should be considered a flood-damaged car because water can instantly infiltrate the ECU module or brake system, posing safety hazards. Don’t assume it’s fine just because it didn’t fail immediately. Since then, I’ve included waterproofing treatments in my regular maintenance, and replacing the new sealing rings has given me much more peace of mind. Drivers should also check if the drainage holes are clogged before the rainy season.

[VonSarah]

From a technical perspective, the risk level of flood-damaged vehicles depends more on the depth of water immersion rather than just the duration. When water reaches the engine, even two hours of exposure can corrode components or soften sensor wiring, leading to unstable vehicle performance such as sluggish acceleration. For preliminary checks, you can manually inspect carpet dampness or use a voltmeter to test for electrical shorts. Once confirmed as flood-damaged, internal mold growth becomes difficult to clean thoroughly, requiring professional disinfection to avoid health hazards. Prompt action is the wisest choice.