What are the six levels of water-damaged vehicles?
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Water-damaged vehicles are classified into six levels based on the height of water immersion: above the brake disc lower edge but below the vehicle floor; above the vehicle floor but below the seats; above the seats but below the instrument cluster; middle of the instrument cluster; above the instrument cluster but below the roof; and complete vehicle submersion. Below is an introduction to water-damaged vehicles: Precautions after a vehicle is water-damaged: If the engine stalls in deep water, do not attempt to restart it. Call for rescue and wait for assistance. Never restart the engine. If it has already been restarted, take the vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible for inspection and early treatment to prevent further damage. If the engine has only ingested water vapor through the air filter, simply clean the air filter, throttle valve, and cylinder of any moisture. Classification of water-damaged vehicles based on immersion level: Water-damaged vehicles are broadly categorized into three types based on the immersion level: those with water level below the wheels, which can still be repaired for practical use; those with water level above the dashboard; and those with water level above the roof. The latter two are considered severely water-damaged, requiring costly repairs and posing significant potential risks even after repair.
I always talk about water-damaged cars, which are classified into six levels, commonly used by insurance companies. Level 1 is the mildest, where water only reaches the chassis below the tires, barely entering the car. Washing the car might suffice, but beware of chassis corrosion, like rusty screws. Level 2 reaches the bottom of the seats, where the carpet and wiring underneath are prone to getting wet. Over time, mold or odors may develop. Replacing the carpet isn’t expensive, but the battery might be affected. Level 3 sees water rising above the seats or dashboard, significantly increasing the risk of electronic system and air duct damage. Repairs often cost thousands, requiring wiring harness replacements. Level 4 reaches the height of the dashboard, potentially damaging the engine and ECU module, with common brake system failures, causing the car’s value to drop by 90%. Level 5 submerges the dashboard but not the roof, flooding the cabin severely, ruining upholstery, and disabling airbags—essentially totaling the car. Level 6 is the worst, with the entire car submerged for hours, leaving the interior completely corroded and the car a heap of scrap. Insurance may pay the full amount or sell parts. During rainy seasons, park on higher ground—don’t skimp on this.