Is a car already damaged if it has been submerged in water?
2 Answers
If a car has been submerged in water, it generally won't have major issues as long as the engine hasn't taken in water. The hazards of a water-submerged vehicle: 1. Reduced safety: If a motor vehicle is submerged in water, it can easily cause body components to rust, shortening the service life and reducing safety performance. For example, a water-submerged vehicle can lead to corrosion and rusting of the wiring, causing the vehicle to suddenly stall or self-ignite due to short circuits while driving, with unimaginable consequences. 2. Component damage: Water-submerged vehicles may have sand and gravel that cannot be completely cleaned out, remaining in some gears or belts, which can cause certain components to be prone to damage.
Last time my car was submerged half a meter underwater, the mechanic said it wasn't just surface damage. The biggest problem with flood-damaged vehicles is short circuits in the electronic systems, with the infotainment screen and sensors being the most vulnerable. Engine water intrusion is even more troublesome - it requires complete disassembly and cleaning, otherwise bent connecting rods can render it useless. After interior flooding, carpets grow mold and that musty smell lingers for months. Prolonged water exposure causes frame rust and corrosion, especially in chassis connecting components. The insurance adjuster told me that if water reaches above half the wheel height, it's considered a total loss with low repair value. Even if repaired now, the risk of future electrical failures remains extremely high, and resale value plummets to just 30% of normal.
