Does stalling in water count as a flooded car?
2 Answers
No, a flooded car refers to a vehicle that has been submerged in water. Here are methods to identify a flooded car: 1. Smell the interior: Check for a musty odor. Flooded cars often have a musty smell in hidden areas like floor mats, trunk liners, and under the seats, which is difficult to remove and usually leaves evidence. Be cautious if you detect a musty smell or an overly fragrant interior, as the latter might be used to mask the odor. 2. Inspect hidden parts: Look for rust or signs of replacement on screws in concealed areas. Pull back the seats to check for rust or sand in the tracks. Extend the seatbelt fully to see if there are water stains or dirt at the end.
I once stalled my car while driving through a waterlogged section, but that doesn't count as a flood-damaged car. A flood-damaged car refers to a vehicle where key components are completely submerged, such as when the carpets are soaked or the engine is fully flooded. In my case, it was just a shallow-water stall with the water level only halfway up the wheels. I immediately turned off the engine and pushed the car out, checking that the intake system was fine. Later, a friend helped me replace the spark plugs and a small part, and there were no lingering issues. Remember, if you stall in water, don't restart the engine—call a tow truck right away for safety. A timely response to a shallow-water incident doesn’t lead to flood damage, but if water reaches above the undercarriage, be wary of potential electrical damage or rust. Regular maintenance of the undercarriage seals is crucial—don’t overlook it.
