What to Do If Your Car Is Flooded in Heavy Rain?
2 Answers
If you find your car flooded, the first thing to do is to notify your insurance company by filing a claim and communicate with them to send an inspector to the scene for assessment. While waiting for the insurance inspector, disconnect the car's battery power. Generally, this involves disconnecting the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
A few days ago, my car was nearly totaled after being caught in a heavy rainstorm and flooding. My first thought was safety first—if you're in the car and water starts rushing in, immediately turn off the engine, open the door, and escape to higher ground. Don’t try to restart the engine to save trouble, as sucking in water can severely damage it, doubling the repair costs. In an emergency, call 110 or your insurance hotline and request a professional tow truck to haul the car away. After the water recedes, avoid starting the car to prevent short circuits, and take photos of the water level for evidence to facilitate future claims. At the repair shop, the mechanic said if water reaches the chassis, it’s necessary to drain the water, clean the engine bay, and replace fluids; otherwise, the electronic systems may malfunction, and the interior could grow mold, posing health risks. I always keep a window-breaking hammer and insulated gloves handy, and during heavy rains, I park on a slope to prevent flooding—these small precautions can save lives. Mishandling a water-damaged car leads to many hidden dangers, so it’s crucial not to cut corners.
