How long will it take for problems to appear after a flooded car is repaired?
2 Answers
Basically, it takes about two to three years. Below is the relevant introduction: Classification: Water level exceeding the car chassis is considered soaking; water level exceeding the oil dipstick is considered half-soaked; water level exceeding the hood or dashboard is considered fully soaked. Hazards: First, it will cause damage to the electronic control system inside the car. The mixed rainwater is highly corrosive, which can affect the electrical functions, especially future usage. Since most cars are equipped with electronic control systems (such as engine ECU, ABS system, SRS system, GPS navigation, etc.), if they encounter water intrusion, it can cause short circuits in the internal IC circuit board of the computer ECU and rust spots on the connector terminals, gradually leading to rusting of metal parts and poor contact in the circuits. In severe cases, it may even cause short circuits and burnouts.
I've experienced flood-damaged car repairs, and issues usually surface within a week or two. Last week, my neighbor's waterlogged car was repaired, but within ten days, a musty smell appeared, and the electrical systems started malfunctioning. A month later, corrosion under the car caused strange noises from the chassis. This happens because residual water leads to rust and short circuits. It's best to test-drive the car extensively right after repairs, checking the electrical circuits and air conditioning system—don't wait for accidents to regret it. In the long run, such cars have significant hidden dangers, so it's advisable not to buy cheap flood-damaged used cars.
