What should I do if my vehicle is submerged in water?
3 Answers
Methods to deal with a submerged vehicle: 1. If the vehicle is soaked in water, immediately notify the insurance company that underwrites the policy. This is called filing a claim. You can request the insurance company, the vehicle owner, or the policyholder to take photos of the waterlogged scene with a camera or mobile phone as evidence for the claim. 2. Before the rescue tow truck arrives, it is best to disconnect the vehicle's battery power as soon as possible, usually by removing the negative terminal of the battery and setting the transmission to neutral. This prevents accidental startup during towing, which could further damage the vehicle. 3. If the water level has reached the chassis, do not start the engine under any circumstances, or you may unfortunately have to replace the engine.
Don't panic if your car gets flooded. I've handled several similar situations. The priority is to ensure personal safety—leave the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground. Do not attempt to start the engine or open the doors, as this will allow more water to enter the engine and internal systems, causing greater damage. Then, promptly call a towing service to have the car transported to a repair shop. At the shop, technicians will disassemble and inspect the engine for water ingress. The air filter will need cleaning or replacement, and the interior must be thoroughly dried to prevent mold. Electrical systems are prone to short circuits after flooding, posing a fire risk, so a comprehensive circuit test is essential. For insurance purposes, take photos as evidence and contact your insurer to file a claim—usually, towing and repair costs are covered. Throughout the process, don't cut corners; choose a reputable repair shop to prioritize safety and avoid potential hazards.
When encountering a waterlogged vehicle, I recommend immediately taking photos of the car's condition, as the waterline position is crucial. Avoid starting the engine yourself—water entering the cylinders can cause serious trouble, so call a professional tow truck to haul it away. Once towed to the repair shop, have the mechanic inspect the undercarriage. The engine oil and transmission fluid likely need replacement due to water contamination, and the air filter should be cleaned to check for debris. The AC ducts can retain dirty water, fostering bacteria, so they require thorough cleaning. If the interior seats aren’t dried properly, they may mold—use drying equipment to treat them. From a safety perspective, electrical components like spark plugs and the battery may corrode, affecting driving performance. Contact your insurance company to report the flooding incident and keep repair receipts for claims. Regularly inspect seals afterward to prevent future leaks, as good habits can extend your car's lifespan.
