How to Repair a Flood-Damaged Car?
2 Answers
Remove the seats and the entire floor carpet. Generally, there is a thick layer of sponge beneath the carpet. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the water until no more can be extracted, then place the car in a paint baking room to dry. It is recommended to use the tube heating method and avoid using fuel-fired heating. Adjust the temperature to 55 degrees Celsius, as this temperature will not damage the interior or leather. After drying, do not rush to reassemble. Use a fan to blow for several hours to remove any odors. Assemble carefully and professionally, and there will be basically no harm to the car.
I've repaired quite a few flood-damaged cars. The first step is to disconnect the power to prevent short circuits, then tow the car to a dry location and remove the battery. Next, drain the accumulated water. Inside the car, lift the carpets and seats, use a vacuum pump to remove residual water, and then dry with fans for several days. After that, inspect each item one by one: electrical systems like the ECU and wiring harnesses may be corroded and need replacement, engine oil and transmission fluid must be completely changed to prevent residue. Interior cleaning must be thorough to remove moldy odors, otherwise, the smell can be overwhelming. It's best to find a professional shop to avoid making things worse and causing more faults. The risks after water immersion are high, long-term corrosion can destroy the car. Timely treatment can mitigate losses, but don't expect a 100% recovery.
