How to Determine if a Car is Flooded During Heavy Rain?
3 Answers
Nowadays, most cars are equipped with airbags, so when the ignition is turned on, the onboard computer system will first check the oil and electrical systems, including the airbags. When the first stage of ignition is activated, all indicator lights will illuminate, and the airbag indicator light will turn off by itself after the check is completed. If you notice that the airbag light does not come on or stays lit at this point, it indicates a problem with the airbag—either a malfunction or the wiring has been disconnected.
During heavy rain, to determine if a car has been flooded, I've summarized several methods based on my driving experience. Mainly, observe the waterline on the car body. If the water has reached more than halfway up the wheels, or there are obvious watermarks on the lower half of the car body, it's likely flooded. In such cases, never start the engine; instead, remove the key, lock the car, and arrange for professional towing. Additionally, inspecting the interior is crucial. Open the doors to check if the carpets are soaking wet and if there are water stains on the wiring under the dashboard. After starting the car, if the engine makes unusual noises, the lights flicker, or the air conditioning blows strange air, these are clear signs of flooding. It's best to park on higher ground before the rain to avoid potential hazards. Regularly check the car during and after the rain, and if any issues are detected, contact a repair station immediately to prevent component corrosion.
On rainy days, I always worry about my car getting flooded, so I take safety precautions. For example, when parking, I choose a spot on higher ground or with good drainage so that even if water accumulates, it won’t reach the undercarriage. While driving, if I notice deep water on the road or feel that the wheels are submerged, I immediately pull over to check the carpet for dampness, the exhaust pipe for bubbles or water marks. I don’t rush to drive—first, I manually inspect the air filter under the hood to see if it’s wet, which indicates whether water has entered the engine. After heavy rain, I always make it a habit to check under the seats for moisture and dry them promptly if needed. In short, prevention is better than dealing with the aftermath. Staying vigilant significantly reduces the risk of flooding.
