What faults will a water-damaged car develop later?
2 Answers
Water-damaged cars may develop the following faults later: 1. Moldy interior: The most obvious and superficial issue with water-damaged cars is that the interior is highly prone to mold growth. If car components are not promptly cleaned and dried, mildew spots will appear on fabric and leather surfaces, which not only affects appearance but also easily causes odors and increases environmental bacteria. 2. Engine damage: If the engine has been flooded with water, forcibly starting the car can cause severe deformation of the connecting rods. Moreover, insurance companies often refuse claims in such cases. 3. Transmission failure: Unlike the engine, transmissions are designed with many vent holes to relieve pressure from temperature changes during manufacturing, resulting in extremely poor sealing. Once water enters the transmission, the vehicle may experience issues like slipping, shaking, and jerky gear shifts, potentially affecting the transmission's lifespan or even leading to complete failure.
When I worked at a repair shop, I saw many flood-damaged cars develop problems later. The electrical system is the first to suffer—corroded wiring can easily short-circuit, causing headlights to flicker or the AC to stop cooling because the wires rust and deform after being soaked. Mechanical parts are also troublesome; if water isn't completely removed from the engine and transmission, they'll gradually rust and seize, leading to constant shaking or strange noises while driving. Even worse, the interior can grow mold and bacteria, with mildew spots under the seats and foul odors that trigger allergies. These issues often don’t show up immediately but emerge months later, with repair costs easily running into tens of thousands. Safety-wise, the brake system is prone to failure after flooding, making driving hazardous. In short, flood-damaged cars have major hidden risks—getting them professionally inspected promptly is the only way to minimize losses.
