How Many Days Does It Take to Dry Out a Flooded Car?

[StEthan]

It takes about ten days to dry out a flooded car. Vehicle flooding can be divided into the following two scenarios: Flooding while driving: When the water level reaches 20 centimeters (for SUVs with higher ground clearance, this threshold increases to 30 centimeters), there is a risk of engine flooding. Due to the low position of the engine air intake, water can be sucked into the engine when the vehicle is driving through flooded areas. Flooding while parked: If the external water level is high, even the battery and some electrical equipment may be damaged by water immersion. For vehicles severely flooded while parked, repair shops typically remove all interior components from the cabin.

[DeDiana]

That time my car was soaked in floodwater all night, and in the morning I saw the water level had risen to the wheel hubs—I was really panicked. I quickly drove the car to a sunny spot, parked it, opened the windows for ventilation, and even used a vacuum cleaner to suck out the water under the carpets. When the weather was hot, the exterior dried out in a day or two, but the interior, like the seats and undercarriage components, took several days to recover. If it was rainy or overcast, it might stay damp for a week. The key was to prevent mold and electrical oxidation. After drying it in the sun for three days, I thought it was dry, but there was still moisture inside the electronic components, causing the lights to flicker and eventually fail after starting. In the end, I had to call a professional towing service to avoid major repair costs. This experience taught me that for a water-damaged car, relying solely on sunlight isn’t enough—the fastest way is to use fans or dehumidifiers, and even then, it takes days. Otherwise, the risks are too high.

[McDaniela]

The drying time after a car gets waterlogged really depends on the situation. For low water levels, like just submerging the wheels, with good ventilation and ample sunlight, the surface can dry out in two to three days. If water reaches the seats, you'll need to wait patiently for seven to ten days. I once experienced a car soaked during the rainy season—humid air prolonged the drying, and even using dehumidifiers didn't speed things up. Plus, prolonged soaking can cause corrosion in wiring connectors, leaving hidden risks if not thoroughly cleaned. It's recommended to immediately move the soaked car to a well-ventilated area and use a heat gun to speed up the process. Generally, the exterior dries faster, but slow and thorough drying of the interior is more crucial to prevent future issues—it takes time.

[MayaRose]

Back in my early driving days, I had a flooding experience that left me waiting for days. Sun exposure could help a bit, but once water seeped into the seat cushion gaps, it would take at least a week or more to dry completely. Especially with older cars that have more crevices, drying them out was quite a hassle. Worried about short circuits in the electronic components, I had to handle it carefully. In short, don't rush—taking it slow is the safest approach.