Should You Sell or Continue Driving After an Engine Overhaul Due to Water Damage?
4 Answers
After a vehicle has been submerged in water, it is generally recommended to sell it, as the engine may sustain damage. More details are as follows: 1. There are two main scenarios where water can damage the engine: prolonged submersion or attempting to restart the engine while submerged; 2. Comprehensive Insurance: Only if the owner has purchased "comprehensive insurance" can they receive compensation for water damage, but this primarily covers damage to seats, wiring, etc., caused by submersion. Damage to the engine from driving through water or attempting to start the engine while submerged is not covered; 3. Engine Special Loss Insurance: Only owners who have also purchased "engine special loss insurance" can receive compensation that includes engine damage.
I've been in the car scene for many years. For engines that underwent major repairs after water immersion, if they were fixed with genuine factory parts and OEM components, they're generally fine to keep driving. However, be cautious - repaired engines may be more sensitive than original ones, occasionally having hard starts or increased fuel consumption. I recommend checking wiring and sensors first, as these areas are prone to corrosion and often overlooked. If the car is relatively young, say within 5-6 years, continuing to drive it could save you a fortune compared to buying new. But if it's high-mileage or from a brand with poor reliability reputation, consider selling it early to avoid endless repair bills. Regular maintenance and frequent inspections for underbody rust can help prevent potential issues.
If it were me, I'd definitely crunch the numbers from a financial perspective: repairing the engine could cost over ten thousand, while selling it would mean the used car value plummets to at most half its original price. Continuing to drive saves on car purchase expenses, but you'd need to set aside some funds for potential future issues like water pump or turbo problems. My advice is to compare the repair costs with the market price of similar used cars—if the repair cost is too high relative to the car's total value, sell it; otherwise, drive it a few more years to recoup the cost. Don't forget about insurance—flood damage records will increase premiums, so factor that in for a comprehensive assessment.
Safety first, I never risk driving a flood-damaged car that's undergone major repairs. Water damage can secretly corrode electrical systems—if the engine stalls or brakes fail at high speed, the consequences are severe. Even after major repairs, hidden issues like internal engine rust causing component degradation may persist. That's why I'd decisively sell it and replace it with a reliable vehicle, especially when transporting family or for long trips. Spending extra for peace of mind beats being stranded roadside.
