How long does it generally take for a flood-damaged car to develop problems?
2 Answers
There is no exact answer to this question. Generally, a flood-damaged car can run without issues for three to four years. Some may last four years, while others, after repairs, might run for five years. Therefore, the assessment should be based on the vehicle's specific condition. Short Circuits: Flood-damaged cars are prone to short circuits in electronic systems, posing a risk of spontaneous combustion. Critical systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and ECU (Engine Control Unit) may fail during crucial moments, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. Dynamic Flood-Damaged Cars: If the engine is started again after water ingress, it can cause deformation of the internal connecting rods, essentially rendering the engine useless and necessitating a major overhaul.
There's no fixed timeline for when water-damaged cars will develop problems—it depends on the flooding severity, repair quality, and routine maintenance. If submerged severely, like when the engine bay takes in water, electrical systems may fail within days or even hours, such as flickering headlights or a malfunctioning dashboard, which is extremely dangerous. The body structure could start rusting in weeks or deform severely within a month or two. I've seen cases where unrepaired flooded cars broke down on the road within a week. Immediate professional disassembly and cleaning are advised, especially for saltwater submersion, which is more corrosive than freshwater. Even after repairs, issues like odors or minor part failures may emerge over months. For safety, avoiding driving flood-damaged cars is the wisest choice.
