What are the long-term impacts of a flooded car?

[DiSadie]

The hazards of a flooded car are significant. After being submerged in water, the vehicle's electrical circuits can suffer severe damage. More details about flooded cars are as follows: 1. Overview: A flooded car refers to a vehicle that has been immersed in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been submerged, with the water level exceeding the wheels and body seats, and the vehicle's underbody components being in prolonged contact with water. The risk factor is very high, as the electrical circuits are prone to short circuits, fires, and other accidents. 2. Others: A 'flooded car' can be repaired to some extent, but even after repairs, there are serious hidden dangers. The longer the immersion time, the higher the probability of malfunctions, and it cannot be completely repaired.

[VonBeau]

As a mechanic with 20 years of experience, I've seen too many hidden dangers in flood-damaged cars. At first glance, they may seem fine, but over time, electrical systems are most prone to problems—like short circuits causing erratic dashboard lights or engine failure to start. Rust on metal parts is also common; corrosion on the chassis and door joints leads to loud noises while driving and frequent oil or water leaks. Repairs are a huge hassle, and even after replacing parts, hidden issues may remain—for example, if water in the engine from flooding isn't properly addressed, sudden stalling on the highway can be dangerous. The most annoying issue is moldy interiors; the persistent musty smell affects health. My advice: don't be tempted by cheap flood-damaged cars. If you do end up with one, take it to a professional shop for a thorough inspection and follow up with regular maintenance. Otherwise, long-term use will lead to constant breakdowns, and repair costs could end up exceeding the car's value.

[LeCayden]

As an ordinary car owner who has experienced a flood-damaged vehicle, daily life became too troublesome. I saved twenty thousand yuan when buying it second-hand, but within just over a year, problems kept arising. On rainy days, the window buttons failed during highway driving, the car reeked of mildew, and even turning on the AC felt unbearable. Rust on the chassis caused strange noises when steering—despite three repairs, the issue persisted, forcing me to take time off work for each frustrating visit to the shop. Worse yet, electrical glitches were constant: headlights suddenly cutting out nearly made me hit a tree at night, leaving me in a cold sweat. Maintenance was especially costly, with parts replacements costing thousands—questionable whether it was worth it. My advice? Avoid such cars—they genuinely disrupt life and safety. Better to spend more on a new car for peace of mind.

[JasperLee]

As someone who frequently studies the car market, I believe the economic impact of flood-damaged vehicles is quite significant. Firstly, their value depreciates severely, with used car prices being 30% to 50% lower than normal vehicles, making them difficult to sell. Secondly, the repair costs are high—replacing electronic modules or dealing with rusted chassis can easily cost 10,000 to 20,000 yuan, sometimes even more expensive than buying a new car. If the flood damage is severe, insurance companies might refuse to cover it or increase premiums, leading to higher daily maintenance costs. In the long run, as the vehicle ages, it becomes even harder to resell, turning into a hot potato. It's better to dispose of it early to save money and hassle.