What Problems Will a Flood-Damaged Car Have in the Later Stage?
3 Answers
Flood-damaged cars are prone to the following problems in the later stage: Moldy Interior: The most obvious and surface-level issue of a flood-damaged car is that the interior is highly susceptible to mold. Most interior materials are water-absorbent, and rainwater contains numerous impurities and bacteria. The relatively enclosed and non-ventilated space inside the car leads to extremely high humidity after flooding. Under such conditions, the car's interior is prone to mold growth. Engine Damage: If the engine has been flooded, forcibly starting the car can cause severe deformation of the connecting rods. Insurance companies often deny claims in such cases. Transmission Failure: If the water level rises above the engine compartment, the transmission is highly likely to be flooded. Once the transmission is flooded, the vehicle may experience issues like slipping, shaking, and rough shifting, which can affect the transmission's lifespan and even lead to complete failure.
As a veteran taxi driver with 10 years of experience, I've seen friends buy flood-damaged cars, and the aftermath is truly dreadful. If water enters the engine's air intake, the crankshaft case can rust, causing sudden shaking and stalling while driving. The most annoying issue is electrical wiring—after being submerged, connectors corrode, and the ABS and brake assist systems frequently malfunction, making rainy-day driving nerve-wracking. The seat foam soaks up filthy water, and under summer heat, mold spots appear everywhere. Even after three ozone machine cleanings, the foul odor lingers. Used car dealers excel at hiding these hidden dangers—reconditioned seat leather surfaces look flawless, but the problems only surface after six months of driving, with repair costs often exceeding the car's value.
Last time the mechanic told me that the biggest hidden danger of flood-damaged cars lies in the circuit boards. If the ECU gets soaked, the chips will gradually corrode, potentially causing sudden fault codes or a stuck speedometer. When door control modules get damp, the trunk lock may malfunction frequently. Once, his customer got locked inside the trunk while retrieving items when the car automatically relocked. Airbag sensors can also fail when clogged with muddy water, preventing deployment during actual collisions. These issues can't be fixed with major repairs - the entire systems need replacement, which costs a fortune.