How Long Will a Flood-Damaged Car Last Before Problems Arise?
2 Answers
There isn't a precise answer to this question. Generally, such cars can run without major issues for three to four years. Some flood-damaged vehicles may last four years, while others, after repairs, might run for five years. Therefore, the actual lifespan depends on the specific condition of the vehicle. However, many auto repair professionals advise against purchasing used flood-damaged cars for the following reasons: 1. Flood-damaged cars are prone to short circuits in electronic systems: This poses 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. 2. Dynamic flood damage: If the engine is started again after water ingress, it can cause deformation of internal connecting rods, essentially rendering the engine useless and requiring major repairs. 3. Rapid cooling and deformation of heated components like the engine and exhaust pipes: This introduces unbalanced stresses, significantly reducing the lifespan of these parts. 4. Corrosion risk: Metal parts damaged by dirty water can corrode the vehicle's structural integrity if not promptly treated with panel beating and repainting.
I have an acquaintance who drove a flood-damaged car. The car was salvaged from a flood and seemed to be well-handled, but problems erupted within less than three months. At first, it was just minor issues like flickering lights or strange smells from the AC, but gradually, the corrosion in the wiring worsened, causing unstable engine RPM and even smoke. By the six-month mark, the entire electronic system of the car failed, requiring expensive repairs that still didn’t fully fix it. Problems with flood-damaged cars snowball over time, depending on the depth of submersion and how well it was cleaned—deep flooding might cause issues within a week, while shallow flooding could drag out for a year before becoming a ticking time bomb. My advice? Don’t risk buying a flood-damaged car—it’s too much trouble. Better to scrap it and save yourself the headache.
