What problems can occur with flood-damaged cars?
3 Answers
Flood-damaged cars may experience the following issues: 1. Mold and rust can develop in the inner door panels, air conditioning ducts, crankcase, and vent holes of the differential; 2. The car's seats and headliner fabric may retain stubborn stains that are difficult to clean and may also develop mold; 3. The lubricating grease in the four-wheel bearings and half-shafts may deteriorate after being soaked. Methods to identify flood-damaged cars include: 1. Open the hood to check for mud residue on the radiator, air conditioning condenser, and front radiator panel; 2. Inspect small components near the engine, such as the alternator, starter motor, wiring sockets, and the seams around the wheel wells for mud; 3. Check the springs under the front and rear seats and the inner burlap lining for residual mud and a musty smell; 4. Examine the hidden seams around the rear wheel wells in the trunk for any remaining mud.
I still feel scared when recalling how my previous car got flooded in a heavy rainstorm. The starting system malfunctioned frequently and couldn't ignite the engine. After taking it to the repair shop, they found the circuit board was short-circuited and burnt out - it took tremendous effort to fix it. The soaked interior grew mold everywhere, emitting a pungent odor that made my wife sneeze constantly during rides. Safety was even worse - the brakes felt spongy with insufficient stopping power, nearly causing a rear-end collision on the highway, while the airbag warning light kept flashing erratically. Repairs cost over 20,000 yuan with unreliable results, forcing me to sell it at a rock-bottom price eventually. Flood-damaged cars require extreme caution - they affect daily commuting severely. Never go for cheap deals you'll regret later.
The core issue with flood-damaged vehicles lies in their internal components. Water ingress into the electrical system causes corrosion and short circuits in wiring. For example, if the ECU gets waterlogged, the entire vehicle becomes paralyzed, and malfunctioning ABS sensors can lead to dangerous skidding. Mechanical parts like engine pistons may rust and seize up, causing starting difficulties and increased fuel consumption. Rust corrosion in the chassis metal weakens its structure over time. Water contamination in the fuel tank pollutes the filter, potentially causing engine stalling - these issues are difficult to repair. A complete disassembly for drying and part replacement is the reliable solution, though costly with limited effectiveness. Regular observation while driving and prompt post-storm inspections are crucial for preventing hazards.
