Does a car that has been flooded and repaired have significant impacts?
2 Answers
It depends on the damage to the engine after the car has been submerged in water. If the water exposure is not severe, simply replacing the affected components may suffice. However, if the engine is severely damaged, a major overhaul will be required, which can impact the engine's lifespan. There are three main potential consequences of a car being submerged in water: Electrical system short-circuit due to water immersion: A damp or waterlogged high-voltage distribution system can cause the engine to stall. This is relatively common—water may appear shallow, and the car might seem capable of passing through, but stalling occurs, usually due to splashing. Exhaust pipe water intake: The car's exhaust pipe is positioned low, and if the water level rises above it, the engine may stall due to inability to expel exhaust gases. Air intake water ingress: This occurs when water enters through the air filter, causing the engine to stall. This scenario is less common and usually happens only when the water level is quite high.
The impact of a flooded car after repair is actually quite significant. I've driven repaired cars where residual moisture might remain in the engine, leading to rust and corrosion of internal components over time, resulting in weakened power or sudden stalling. Moreover, when transmission fluid mixes with water, lubrication fails, causing gear shifting to become jerky. Dampened and oxidized electronic wiring harness connectors can cause dashboard lights to flicker erratically or airbags to malfunction, posing safety risks. Repairing doesn't mean it's problem-free; the resale value plummets by half, and buyers avoid it once they see the flood damage record. A friend's car developed faults again just six months after repair. It's advisable to completely replace all fluids and regularly inspect seals.
