How to Distinguish the Levels of Flood-Damaged Vehicles?
3 Answers
The classification of flood-damaged vehicle levels is as follows: 1. Level 1: The water level just reaches the vehicle's chassis, and the floor may become damp, but the likelihood of significant water ingress is low, with minimal impact on the vehicle's electrical equipment. 2. Level 2: The water level reaches halfway up the wheels. Due to the vehicle's incomplete sealing, water will begin to enter the interior. For lower-sedan vehicles, the water level inside may affect the adjustment motors of the seats and electrical components such as heating and ventilation. 3. Level 3: The water level almost completely submerges the tires. At this point, the water level inside the vehicle will fully immerse the seat cushions and the central armrest area, affecting a large number of electrical components. 4. Level 4: The water level reaches the engine hood. The water level inside the vehicle rises to the dashboard, and the headlights and the engine's intake pipe in the engine compartment begin to take in water. 5. Level 5: The water level completely submerges the engine hood. At this stage, almost all electrical equipment inside the vehicle will be affected by the water. 6. Level 6: The water level submerges the roof. The vehicle's ceiling and sunroof module will be affected, and no component inside the vehicle will be spared.
When it comes to flood-damaged vehicle classification, it depends on the water submersion height. Water reaching the chassis is considered Level 1—where the car's carpet gets soaked but doesn't submerge the electrical circuits. After drying, it might still be usable, but I've seen such cars develop constant rust on the chassis within six months. Level 2 is when water reaches below the seats, seeping into circuit board gaps. Even after repairs, you can't guarantee 100% safety. Level 3 is the most troublesome, with the dashboard completely submerged—electronic systems become like chronic patients, prone to short circuits at any moment. Some dealerships classify based on repair costs: minor repairs under 20,000 RMB are labeled as Grade B flood-damaged cars, while major engine repairs categorize them as Grade C write-offs. I remember a car we took in after last year's heavy rain—it looked perfectly restored, but the AC emitted a musty smell. Turned out the carpet padding was moldy, a classic case of a 'hidden' flood-damaged vehicle.
With over a decade of experience dealing with flood-damaged vehicles, I can share that assessing flood severity primarily involves three indicators. First, the water ingress level – rust on the sill lower edges and seat rails serves as crucial evidence. Second, maintenance records – vehicles requiring ECU replacement indicate at least moderate flooding. Third, residual traces – hardened seatbelt anchors and water accumulation in spare tire wells are common symptoms. Lightly flooded cars may still be salvageable, but vehicles submerged above steering wheel height are better off totaled. The key is checking the OBD system – flood cars often exhibit recurring fault codes like a game of whack-a-mole. Last year, I handled a flood car where the seller claimed only floor mats got wet, but upon removing the carpet, we found all wiring connectors covered in green corrosion.
