Should a Car Submerged to the Dashboard Be Repaired or Scrapped?
2 Answers
If a car is submerged up to the dashboard, it is best to scrap it and replace it with a new one. Below are the handling methods for a water-submerged car: 1. Slow down or stop: When encountering uncertain water levels, brake immediately without hesitation while driving. Stop and observe the waterline when trucks or large vehicles pass to determine if it's safe to proceed. 2. Maintain slow speed without stopping: If the vehicle has already entered a deep water section, stay calm, keep the throttle steady to control the speed, avoid shifting gears, and do not stop. Exit the area as quickly as possible. 3. Post-disaster precautions: Even if the vehicle doesn't appear severely damaged, have it inspected at a repair shop to prevent hidden hazards caused by residual moisture. After the weather clears, open the doors, place the car in the sun, and use a fan to blow air nearby. This effectively speeds up the drying process, and the airflow helps prevent mold growth.
As a veteran auto mechanic with over a decade of experience, I must say vehicles submerged up to the dashboard are particularly troublesome. When the waterline exceeds the seats, the engine may have taken in water—even after drying, ignition becomes a major issue. The densely packed circuit boards beneath the center console and instrument panel are completely waterlogged; high-pressure air guns can't fully remove the silt from the crevices. Wiring harness connectors will rust and corrode within months, causing erratic instrument readings and malfunctioning windows. After repairs, various minor issues will persistently emerge within three months, driving owners crazy. Not to mention the sand and silt entering the airbag control module under the seats—airbags might fail to deploy in an accident. For vehicles submerged to this extent, I recommend checking the insurance policy and opting for a total loss write-off for peace of mind. Insisting on repairs would require dismantling the entire interior frame for rust prevention, costing nearly half the price of a used car.
