What to Do If Your Parked Car Gets Flooded?
3 Answers
Take photos of the scene as evidence, especially of the severely damaged areas of the vehicle, to facilitate later damage assessment. Wait for the insurance company to provide towing and rescue services. If the tow truck cannot reach the scene, you can attempt self-rescue.
A few days ago, my uncle's SUV also encountered this situation. The most crucial thing when water reaches the car doors is not to restart the engine! If water enters the engine and you try to start it, the repair cost could buy you a used QQ. Immediately roll down the windows or open the sunroof to prepare for escape. If the water depth exceeds the tires, don't open the doors—water pressure will make it impossible. When contacting rescue, remember to ask the tow truck driver to lift the drive wheels when towing, otherwise, the transmission system could be ruined. The entire vehicle's electrical system needs to be dried and checked, as waterlogged electronics are prone to short circuits and spontaneous combustion. The repair shop will remove seats and carpets to dry the undercarriage. When communicating with the insurance agent, emphasize that it was a natural disaster. Even after repair, flood-damaged cars have lingering issues—my colleague's car always had a fishy smell from the AC after repairs.
Last year I personally experienced a car submerged in heavy rain, and action should be taken as soon as the water reaches the wheel hubs. The top priority is ensuring personal safety—if the water rises too quickly, break the window to escape immediately, and don’t hesitate over the glass. After the vehicle is completely powered off, contact professional towing services and have the technician use a flatbed tow truck or lifting method to move the car. Post-incident handling involves three steps: first, have the insurance adjuster take photos for documentation, then send the car to a repair shop for disassembly and cleaning, and finally, when signing the repair agreement, specify the replacement of all vehicle fluids and wiring harness inspection. In the first month after repairs, pay special attention to brake noises and electrical fault warnings, as water-damaged cars are prone to hidden electronic module failures.
