Does water reaching the seat level affect a small car?

[MacCamille]

Water reaching the seat level does affect a small car. Here are specific impacts after a vehicle is waterlogged: 1. Component rust: Water immersion can easily cause body components to rust, shortening the vehicle's lifespan and reducing safety performance. 2. Short-circuit stalling: Waterlogged vehicles may experience wire corrosion and rusting, leading to sudden stalling or spontaneous combustion due to short circuits while driving. 3. Expensive repairs: The repair costs for water-damaged vehicles are extremely high. In cases of severe water intrusion, repair expenses may exceed 50% of the vehicle's original value.

[Vivian]

Last time I heard that my neighbor's car was flooded up to thigh-high, and the situation turned out to be quite serious. At this water level, the entire chassis and electrical system were submerged. Wires inside the body, audio systems, and the airbag control module under the seats could all be corroded or short-circuited. If not addressed promptly, there's a high risk of sudden engine stalling or electrical fires while driving. Soaked interiors will develop mold, emitting a pungent odor that poses significant health risks, especially for passengers with sensitive respiratory systems. From a safety perspective, I recommend immediately turning off the engine and calling for a tow to a professional repair shop for a thorough inspection and cleaning, including replacing fuses and drying all electronic components. The cost is estimated to be substantial, but it's worth it to avoid accidents. Also, check the vehicle insurance policy to see if it covers such situations—otherwise, repairs could cost tens of thousands.

[DeBrody]

My old car was caught in a major flood last year, and the water level rising to the bottom of the seats indeed caused numerous problems. Once water reaches this level, it means the car's engine intake system may have sucked in water, leading to engine water damage that requires major repairs; the transmission could also be affected, with contaminated fluids reducing lubrication effectiveness. The seat foam, soaked through, deforms and breeds mold, affecting comfort and potentially causing allergies. In the long run, the chassis and radiator support are prone to rust and corrosion, shortening the vehicle's lifespan. I advise you not to rush starting the engine; instead, have it towed to a professional workshop for a thorough diagnostic of all electrical and mechanical components using specialized equipment, followed by a complete interior cleaning and disinfection to prevent health hazards. After repairs, it's best to apply a full-body rust-proofing treatment for enhanced protection.

[VanBrianna]

Flooding up to the seat height is absolutely harmful to both the health and aesthetics of the car interior. The seat fabric or leather can become soaked, smelly, and deformed, while electronic components like the audio panel are prone to short circuits and malfunctions, making daily use uncomfortable. More seriously, if water penetrates deeper into the chassis, it may corrode bolt structures and weaken the body's strength, compromising driving safety. Cleaning requires extracting moisture and replacing damaged parts, which is both costly and time-consuming. I believe that upon discovery, the car should be towed away immediately for inspection to prevent further damage—avoid driving it out and take caution.