What to Do If the Chery Ant Gets Flooded?

[KatherineLee]

If the water inside the car is not severe, simply open the windows on a sunny day to allow thorough airing and drying. When water enters the cabin, there are several rubber seals located at the bottom of the vehicle chassis. Opening these seals can help drain the accumulated water from the cabin. Since the interior floor mats are highly absorbent, they should be removed and placed in a spacious area to facilitate the evaporation of moisture.

[MacDaniela]

When I drove my Chery eQ1, I once encountered a water ingress situation due to driving into a flooded underground garage on a rainy day. The first thing you must not do is restart the engine—water entering the cylinders can cause severe wear or even total engine failure, so immediately turn off the ignition and remove the key. Next, try pushing the car to a dry area; if that's not possible, call for a tow truck—don’t take risks yourself. Once parked on level ground, open the hood to drain the water, carefully using dry cloths to absorb moisture or letting it air-dry naturally for a few days. Then, inspect all electrical connectors and the undercarriage—if there’s rust or corrosion, it indicates circuit damage, and the car must be sent to a professional shop for thorough inspection and cleaning. After water ingress, ventilating the cabin by opening windows is crucial to remove humidity and prevent mold or sensor malfunctions. For prevention, always park on higher ground and avoid high-pressure washing near seal gaps—these small habits can help avoid future water ingress incidents.

[JulianDella]

I have studied automotive safety for many years, and the top priority when a car is flooded is ensuring personal safety. Immediately stop the car and turn off all power sources, including the ignition key, to prevent electrical short circuits and fires. If the water level rises above the tires, exit the vehicle and push it or seek help—do not attempt to drive out to avoid further damage. Sediment and bacteria in the water can corrode metal components, especially circuit boards, potentially leading to the car being totaled in the long run. After handling the situation, have the car towed to a repair shop where professionals will disassemble and inspect the engine, transmission, and fluids for water contamination, followed by cleaning and drying the affected parts. Always pay attention to weather forecasts and road conditions when driving, avoiding low-lying areas. If the water is just rainwater, it’s less severe, but floodwater or contaminated water poses greater risks, requiring thorough disinfection and cleaning of all interior components. Safety should always come first—don’t cut corners or take risks by attempting DIY repairs.

[StAshley]

I've seen many cases of waterlogged vehicle treatments after flooding. Simply put, directly seek professional technicians. The most common issues are electrical short circuits and motor burnout, as well as oil contamination causing abnormal engine wear. Don't attempt DIY cleaning—first turn off the engine, disconnect the battery, push to a dry area, then immediately contact a certified repair shop for towing. They will disassemble and clean engine components, replace filters and fluids, and dry all electrical systems to prevent future failures like dashboard malfunctions. For electric vehicles like the Little Ant, pay special attention to battery pack waterproofing, as water ingress poses higher risks and more expensive repairs. Regularly check wheel arch seals for damage before parking, and avoid driving in rain or snow when possible.

[JohnMarie]

I have a Chery Ant at home, and the first thing I thought of when it got flooded was routine maintenance. Turn off the engine, lock the car, and push it to a shady, ventilated area—avoid direct sunlight to prevent deformation. Use a water pump to drain the accumulated water and wipe down the interior seats to prevent mold. Then slowly check if the drainage holes under the car are clogged, which could cause water to backflow. Prevention is key. After each rainy season, pay attention to cleaning the wheel rim gaps when washing the car to remove dirt, and consider installing waterproof panels on the chassis for added peace of mind. Usually, park on high ground or in flood-resistant areas, and minimize driving through deep water. Flooding incidents can also be a chance to teach children emergency handling and instill the importance of vehicle maintenance from a young age.