What needs to be repaired for a flooded car?
3 Answers
It is necessary to inspect the exhaust system and engine oil. Also check the spark ignition system and test cylinder pressure. Below is relevant information about flooded cars: 1. Severity: The severity of a flooded car depends on the water submersion height and whether the vehicle was started while submerged. 2. Under seats: If the water only reached below the seats (this height hasn't reached the vehicle's air intake position, nor the fuse box or dashboard position), the impact on the vehicle is relatively minor after thorough cleaning. 3. Cleaning: During cleaning, transmission fluid, engine oil, and brake fluid need to be replaced. Additionally, maintenance should be performed on the vehicle's braking system, exhaust pipe, and catalytic converter to further minimize the impact of flooding on subsequent vehicle usage.
I've been a car mechanic for 15 years, and repairing flood-damaged vehicles is extremely challenging. The main focus is on the engine system—disassembling to clean the cylinders and changing the oil, plus dismantling and flushing the transmission. The electrical system is the most troublesome, requiring thorough inspection of ECUs, sensors, and wiring harnesses, with all water-damaged connectors needing replacement. The interior must be completely stripped out, with carpets and seats replaced to prevent mold and odors. The fuel tank and lines must be cleaned, and rust removal plus anti-rust treatment for chassis components is crucial. Don’t forget the safety systems—airbag controllers and ABS modules are prone to water damage and must be tested and replaced. Repairs like this take at least two to three weeks and must be done in a dust-free workshop.
My car was submerged up to the window level in last year's flood, and the entire repair process was quite exhausting. The most critical parts were the disassembly and cleaning of the engine and transmission, with all vehicle fluids needing complete replacement. The interior was completely emptied, washed, and disinfected, and the carpet and sound insulation were discarded and replaced with new parts. The electrical circuit inspection was the most nerve-wracking—the mechanic removed all the seats to check the wiring harness and replaced the ECU and sensor modules. The brake system was completely drained and refilled with new fluid, and all seat belts were replaced. The most unexpected issue was the door lock modules failing due to water damage, which also led to replacing the central control system. For fellow car owners dealing with flood damage, I highly recommend specialized inspections for wheel bearings and chassis links, as neglecting them can lead to severe noise while driving.
