Is It Safe to Drive a Flooded Car?
3 Answers
If the owner has purchased auto flood insurance, they can claim insurance compensation when the vehicle is flooded. Here is relevant information about flooded cars: Concept: A flooded car refers to a vehicle that has been submerged in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been soaked, with water depth exceeding the wheels and body seats, and prolonged contact between the vehicle's underbody components and water. Such vehicles pose significant risks, as the electrical system is prone to short circuits and fires. Insurance: There are two types of insurance related to vehicle flooding—the most common being comprehensive auto insurance, and the other called special engine loss insurance, commonly known as flood insurance.
I once experienced my car being flooded in a heavy rain, and let me tell you, never try to drive it. The problems can be huge. If water gets into the engine, the pistons can bend or even cause cylinder explosion when starting, and the repair costs are extremely high. My car was flooded once, and later all the circuits shorted out, even the air conditioning broke. My advice is not to move the car immediately, but to call a tow truck to send it to a repair shop. Professionals will use tools to test for water in the oil and check for circuit corrosion. Regarding insurance, if you have flood insurance, you might get partial compensation, but if not, paying out of pocket is a huge loss. In the long run, flooded cars are prone to rust and have reduced lifespan, and safety becomes an issue, like the high risk of brake failure when driving in the rain.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I must emphasize that waterlogged vehicles should never be driven as they cause irreversible damage. Water seeps into the transmission and bearings, leading to rust and seizure of components; electrical parts like ABS controllers short-circuit when exposed to water, potentially causing spontaneous combustion. I once helped a friend deal with a similar situation—when the car was sent for repairs, we found accumulated water in the chassis, which corroded the pipes due to delayed treatment. After towing it to the repair shop, the technician had to use dehumidifying equipment to dry it out for several days before it could barely function again. However, minor issues persisted afterward, fuel consumption increased, and maintenance costs skyrocketed. Therefore, the best course of action when encountering a flooded car is to remove the keys and avoid moving the vehicle to prevent further damage.
