How to Handle a Flooded Car to Make It Start Again?
3 Answers
Ensure to drive the car out of the flooded area. If it cannot start and is still in the water, seek help from nearby vehicles to tow it out. Avoid attempting to restart the car. If the car can still start, try shifting to neutral gear and gradually increase the throttle. As the engine slowly warms up, it will help expel the accumulated water.
Last time I came across a case where a car was flooded, and the owner panicked and started the engine, resulting in a complete engine failure—what a shame. To handle it safely, the first step is never to start the ignition, as water in the engine can lock the pistons, and forcing a start could destroy the entire engine. My advice is to move the car to a dry area, open all doors, windows, and the trunk to let the accumulated water drain, and use towels to soak up the water under the seats. Check the engine bay—if the water level rose above the air intake, remove the air filter to see if it’s soaked; if wet, it needs replacement. The battery and electrical components are also prone to short circuits, so disconnect the negative terminal first, then use a hairdryer on low heat or a fan to slowly dry the circuit boards. Only after the interior is completely dry should you attempt to power on and check the dashboard for any abnormalities before cautiously starting the engine. Remember, this job is time-consuming and labor-intensive—it’s best to call a tow truck and have it taken to a professional shop for a thorough inspection. They can use specialized equipment to ensure there are no hidden risks. Improper handling after a car flood can lead to severe consequences; spending some money on repairs is always better than a total loss.
When I bought my first car, I also encountered a situation where the residential area was flooded after rain, and half of the car was submerged. I was stunned and didn't know what to do. Later, I looked up information online and learned that you must never start a flooded car directly, as it can easily cause a short circuit or water damage to the engine. The correct approach is to first ensure your own safety—get out of the car and move to a dry area, avoiding touching any switches. Then, open the doors and trunk to drain the water, and you can use a blanket to soak up the water inside the car. Open the hood to let it dry, and check the air filter; if it's soaked, it needs to be replaced to avoid affecting ignition. The battery might also be damp and should be disconnected and cleaned. The whole process took me two days of natural drying before I cautiously tried to start the car successfully. But it's not that simple—I always remind myself that a water-damaged car has potential risks, like aging circuits or ECU damage, which might seem fine in the short term but cause long-term issues. So, it's best to send it to a repair shop for a comprehensive diagnosis to prevent secondary failures.
