How to Repair a Flooded Car?
2 Answers
For a flooded car, different levels of water ingress require inspections, repairs, part replacements, and cleaning of water and debris in various components. Disconnect the vehicle's power supply: Immediately after the floodwaters recede, disconnect the vehicle's power supply. Modern vehicles are highly integrated with electronics, with nearly all visible and functional parts controlled by computers. Cutting off the power supply promptly can prevent short circuits caused by water inside the vehicle. Call your insurance and arrange for a tow truck; do not attempt to start the engine. Assess the extent of water damage: There are three scenarios: first, if only the chassis is submerged, simple water removal and cleaning may suffice, with no impact on the vehicle's condition. Second, if the water level has exceeded the oil dipstick. Third, if the water has risen above the engine hood or dashboard.
I've dealt with quite a few flood-damaged vehicles before. The first step is always to disconnect the battery to prevent short circuits and fires. Then we proceed in three stages: for water reaching the chassis, we remove seats and carpets to dry them, and clean wiring harness connectors with alcohol; if water reached the dashboard, we need to replace all electrical modules; and for engine flooding, cylinder disassembly and cleaning is mandatory. The key points are using ultrasonic cleaners for circuit boards and replacing seat padding. The entire process takes at least two weeks, followed by a 48-hour waterproof test. I recommend having it done by professional auto repair shops, otherwise you'll face recurring issues later.
