What are the effects of a water-damaged car?
2 Answers
Whether a water-damaged car has significant effects after repair depends on the extent of water submersion. Here are some relevant details about repairing water-damaged cars: 1. Minor water damage: If the submersion is not severe, simply replacing the affected components may suffice. 2. Severe water damage: If the submersion is severe, requiring repairs to the engine and other major parts, the vehicle might initially seem fine post-repair, but frequent issues are likely to arise after a few years. 3. Precautions: If your car stalls in a flooded area and you have purchased flood insurance, the insurance will cover the damages. This insurance is also known as engine special loss insurance. Important note: If the engine stalls due to water submersion, never attempt to restart it, as this can cause severe engine damage.
I've repaired quite a few water-damaged cars, and the issues are numerous. The most critical problem after a car is flooded is the electrical system taking a hit—the ECU and various sensors short-circuit when exposed to water, and even after repairs, hidden risks remain. The engine also suffers badly; if water enters the cylinders and you try to start it forcibly, the piston rods can be ruined outright. The chassis rusts exceptionally fast, and corrosion of the frame metal compromises safety, leading to greater deformation in accidents. The interior is even more troublesome—water trapped in the seats and carpets leads to mold, giving the AC a musty smell, and mildew spots keep spreading. Repairs are time-consuming and costly, so I recommend not touching the car after the water recedes and just filing an insurance claim to avoid future headaches.
