Does Water Entering the Car Cabin Count as a Flood-Damaged Vehicle?
1 Answers
Water entering the car cabin does count as a flood-damaged vehicle. A flood-damaged vehicle refers to a car that has been submerged in water, and the extent of damage to such vehicles is significant. Flood-damaged vehicles are primarily categorized into three levels: the first level is when the water depth exceeds the wheels and enters the interior; the second level is when the water depth surpasses the dashboard; and the third level is when the water level rises above the car roof. Generally, the first level of flood-damaged vehicles is the most common, often caused by weather conditions or road situations that leave the car parked in a waterlogged environment. The classification standards for water-damaged vehicles are as follows: if the water level exceeds half of the wheel height and enters the cabin, it is termed a water-soaked vehicle. If the water reaches the engine hood, it is called a flood-damaged vehicle. If the water level exceeds the car roof, it is referred to as a submerged vehicle. It is important to note that soaked components should ideally be replaced to avoid post-flooding complications. For instance, door panels usually contain soundproofing material, which needs to be replaced. Audio speakers and other electronic components must also be replaced if submerged, as they may fail within days. Flood-damaged vehicles often retain sand and debris in gears or belts, which can cause damage to certain parts. Typically, repairing a flood-damaged vehicle involves removing seats, interior trims, and panels to drain the water and clean out mud. The engine must also be dismantled to inspect electronic components, particularly checking whether the main computer board is damaged.
