Is the impact significant if a car is submerged in water but the engine is not flooded?
2 Answers
Car submersion is a relatively common type of damage. During heavy summer rains, many regions experience floods, leading to numerous vehicles being submerged. If the submersion lasts for an extended period and the water level is high, even if the engine is not flooded, the damage to the car can still be substantial. Below are solutions for dealing with a submerged car: 1. Immediately report to the insurance company for a claim. 2. Immediately turn off the vehicle's power and have it towed to a repair facility. 3. Tow the vehicle to a repair facility for a comprehensive disassembly inspection, cleaning, and drying. It is necessary to check all vehicle fluids, including fuel. If signs of water accumulation are found during the inspection, replace all affected parts according to the extent of water exposure to avoid future issues during vehicle use.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've had my car flooded before. While the engine may appear fine if it didn't take in water, moisture can seep into hidden areas like brake lines or circuit boards, potentially causing sudden short circuits, brake failure, or erratic dashboard warnings. Within days after the flood, I noticed foul odors from the AC, intermittent power window issues, and later even mold growth under the seats. Even with an intact engine, prolonged water exposure to chassis and interior leads to rusting, and corroded electronics can incur hefty repair costs. I strongly recommend immediate professional inspection and thorough cleaning of electrical systems and chassis drainage holes - otherwise minor issues may escalate into major repairs.
