How Serious Is the Problem When Water Reaches the Car Seats?
2 Answers
Water reaching the car seats indicates that the interior has been flooded, and many electronic components may have been exposed to water, making them prone to damage. Here are the relevant details: 1. Submersion Height: The severity of a water-damaged car depends on the height of the water and whether the vehicle was started while submerged. If the water only reached below the seats and did not reach the vehicle's air intake, fuse box, or dashboard, cleaning it thoroughly will have a relatively minor impact on the vehicle. 2. Location: At this height, the water would have reached the transmission, oil pan, and exhaust pipe. Therefore, during cleanup, it is necessary to replace the transmission fluid, engine oil, and brake fluid, as well as clean and maintain the vehicle's braking system, exhaust pipe, and catalytic converter. This can further reduce the impact of water damage on the vehicle's future performance.
I remember during last year's typhoon, my car got flooded up to the seat height, which caused serious problems. The water submerged the seats, soaking the carpets, electrical wiring, and control modules. Within just a few days, I noticed a severe odor inside the car and had difficulty starting it. After taking it to a repair shop, the mechanic told me that there were airbags and an ABS controller under the seats, which are prone to short-circuiting and getting ruined when exposed to water. The repairs ended up costing me over 5,000 yuan. What's worse, the residual value dropped significantly, making it hard to sell as a used car. My advice is, if you encounter such a situation, immediately have it towed to a professional place for inspection, and avoid driving it to prevent accidents.
