What Are the Biggest Hidden Dangers of Flood-Damaged Cars?
2 Answers
Flood-damaged cars refer to vehicles that have been submerged in water. Vehicles contain numerous mechanical components and various electronic parts, and currently, no commercially available vehicles are completely sealed and waterproof. This means that when a vehicle is submerged in water, these components and electronic parts are bound to be damaged, leading to significant safety hazards. For example, the vehicle may stall at high speeds, experience brake failure, or have airbags deploy unexpectedly. Below is more information about flood-damaged cars: 1. Persistent Safety Hazards After Repair: 'Flood-damaged cars' can be repaired to some extent, but even after repairs, serious hidden dangers remain. The longer the vehicle is submerged, the higher the likelihood of malfunctions. 2. Classification of Flood-Damaged Cars: If the water level exceeds the chassis, it is considered partially submerged; if it exceeds the oil dipstick, it is semi-submerged; and if it exceeds the hood or dashboard, it is fully submerged. 3. Insurance Claims for Water Damage: The primary insurance that covers natural disasters like heavy rain is auto damage insurance. Since being submerged due to heavy rain meets the criteria for a natural disaster, most vehicle losses can be compensated through auto damage insurance. If a vehicle is submerged in water, as long as the engine is not flooded and only parts replacement or circuit repairs are needed, these fall under the coverage of auto damage insurance. Even if heavy rain completely submerges the vehicle, resulting in a total loss, the insurance company can compensate for the full loss.
The biggest hidden danger of flood-damaged cars lies in their electrical systems potentially causing fires. Once a car has been submerged in water, its wiring and computer modules are prone to corrosion, which can lead to short circuits. This is especially dangerous when temperatures rise during driving, making fires highly likely. I've seen many such cases where the car seemed fine when the owner started driving, only to suddenly smell burning or see smoke, ultimately resulting in the entire vehicle catching fire—it's terrifying. Additionally, electrical failures can affect engine control, causing the car to stall at high speeds and increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, when buying a used car, never consider flood-damaged ones. Even if they appear repaired on the surface, hidden dangers still lurk inside. Always have a professional shop conduct a comprehensive inspection. During regular maintenance, it's also advisable to check all wire connections to ensure safety comes first.
