What are the impacts of a flood-damaged car?
3 Answers
The impacts of a flood-damaged car include damage to the vehicle's electronic systems, engine, and more. Below are the relevant details: 1. Impacts: First, it can cause damage to the car's internal electronic control systems. Starting the engine after water ingress may directly result in smoke, and oil contamination can lead to engine seizure and total failure. Water immersion in the vehicle's circuit system can cause short circuits and malfunctions, such as ABS failure. 2. Hazards: It can easily cause rusting of body components, shortening the vehicle's lifespan and reducing safety performance. For example, water-damaged vehicles may experience wire corrosion and rust, leading to sudden engine shutdown or spontaneous combustion due to short circuits while driving, with unimaginable consequences. Additionally, the repair costs for flood-damaged vehicles are very high, with severe flood damage repairs often exceeding 50% of the vehicle's value.
As someone who frequently shares experiences at auto shows, I've found that flood-damaged vehicles have severe consequences. The electrical system bears the brunt first: once submerged, the ECU circuit board and sensor wiring corrode and short-circuit, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly or the dashboard to malfunction—repairs can cost anywhere from a few thousand to over ten thousand yuan. Mechanical components also suffer, such as water entering the engine, leading to rust and potential cylinder scoring or knocking during operation, while suspension springs rust and stiffen, increasing ride harshness. The chronic issues are even more frustrating—superficially repaired, problems like non-functioning AC or stuck windows resurface later. I recommend checking a vehicle's history report before purchase and conducting regular electronic diagnostics to avoid sudden breakdowns on the road, which pose significant safety risks. Long-term, these cars depreciate rapidly, with maintenance costs at least double those of regular vehicles—far better to buy a reliable used car with no accident history.
I often help friends check cars, and the safety hazards of flood-damaged vehicles should never be underestimated. Once submerged, the airbag system may fail to deploy or even explode due to water ingress, leaving occupants unprotected in an accident. Rust in the braking system can cause spongy or failed brakes, with potentially catastrophic consequences if they suddenly fail at high speeds. More insidiously, aged wiring can lead to fires or electrical shorts during hot seasons. Health-wise, moldy interiors breed bacteria, potentially triggering allergies or respiratory issues during long drives. Overall, the driving risks are several times higher than with regular cars, so I strongly recommend avoiding them. Maintenance also costs more, requiring frequent part replacements like rust-proofing electrical inspections, but even with extreme caution, recurring issues are hard to prevent.
