How to Repair a Flooded Car?
3 Answers
Need to disassemble and remove seats and carpets for cleaning and air-drying. Check the oil, water, and fluids in regular maintenance items. Notify the insurance company to conduct an on-site inspection. After the inspection is completed, tow the vehicle out of the water as soon as possible, disassemble related components, and clean or replace them as needed. Remove the vehicle's battery to cut off the power supply, and then tow the vehicle to a repair shop.
My car was once flooded, with water levels above the wheels, and I was really panicked at that time. I immediately called for a tow truck, didn't dare to start the engine, and had it directly towed to the repair shop. The mechanic said water-damaged cars are categorized by the extent of flooding: low water levels might only wet the floor mats, while high levels could ruin the entire electronic control system. The repair steps involve first draining the water, then removing the seats and carpets to dry for several days to prevent mold. The key is to check the electrical components, as parts like the computer board and fuses are prone to corrosion and need replacement. If water entered the engine, the oil and filters must be changed. My car took half a month to repair and cost over ten thousand yuan, but there was always some strange noise when driving, so I ended up selling it at a low price. I advise everyone not to delay in such situations and to seek professional repair shops—safety first. Also, freshwater flooding is easier to handle, while seawater's strong corrosiveness makes repairs much harder.
I have experience with repairing flood-damaged vehicles - the key factors are water submersion height and duration. The basic repair process: First tow it to a dry area and absolutely avoid starting the engine to prevent cylinder scoring. Remove interior carpets for thorough drying to prevent mold. Check electronic components like ECU and wiring harnesses for shorts - corroded parts must be replaced. Drain the engine and replace oil + filter, inspect transmission fluid condition. Brake fluid also requires replacement. After repairs, test all functions thoroughly, but flood cars may have residual rust risks - not recommended for long-term use. Major distinction: Deeply submerged vehicles often have repair costs exceeding value - I typically advise clients to replace instead. Remember saltwater causes more severe damage than freshwater.