What to Do When Water Gets into the Car?
3 Answers
If the water inside the car is not severe, simply open the windows on a sunny day to allow thorough drying. When water enters the cabin, the repair process mainly involves draining the accumulated water. There are several rubber plugs located at the bottom of the vehicle chassis; removing these plugs can help drain the water from the cabin. However, since the floor mats inside the car are highly absorbent, they should be removed and placed in a spacious area to facilitate water evaporation. Relevant information about car insurance claims is as follows: 1. Types of Insurance: There are two types of insurance related to water damage in vehicles. One is the most common comprehensive car insurance, and the other is called engine special loss insurance, commonly known as water damage insurance. The scope of water damage insurance is relatively limited, generally covering various expenses incurred due to engine water damage under normal driving conditions, provided that the engine is not restarted after water ingress. However, relatively few people opt for water damage insurance. 2. Comprehensive Car Insurance: Currently, the main insurance that covers damages caused by natural disasters like heavy rain is comprehensive car insurance. Essentially, all damages to the vehicle can be compensated through comprehensive car insurance. If the car is submerged in water, as long as the engine is not damaged, only parts replacement and circuit repairs are covered under comprehensive car insurance. Even if heavy rain completely submerges the vehicle, resulting in a total loss, the insurance company can compensate for the total loss.
Last time my car got flooded, it happened during a heavy rainstorm when water rushed into the vehicle while crossing a waterlogged section of the road, submerging up to the floor mat level. I was startled and immediately realized not to start the engine, as water ingress could cause severe damage. So, I turned off the engine and all power sources, climbed out through the window, and called for a tow truck. While waiting for rescue, I avoided opening the car doors to prevent more water from rushing in. After being towed to the repair shop, the technician first dealt with the water inside, using a vacuum and dryer to dry out the carpets, and checked the electrical wiring and engine for any water ingress. Fortunately, the repair cost was only 800 yuan, but the whole experience left me shaken. I also learned to always pay attention to weather warnings and avoid driving through flooded areas. The first thing to do after water ingress is to stay calm and not start the car, and definitely don’t force it onto the road, otherwise repair costs could skyrocket and personal safety would be at serious risk.
I often tinker with car repairs myself, and when my car got flooded, I chose the DIY approach. After discovering the water accumulation, I immediately turned off the engine, locked the car, and called a friend to help tow it. At home, I removed the carpets and seats, using a hairdryer to dry them out, and also checked the fuse box for any short circuits. The key was ensuring the interior was completely dry to prevent mold growth, which took three days. I also tested the electronic systems to confirm that the headlights and air conditioning weren't damaged. For prevention, I regularly check the door seals and avoid driving through low-lying areas during rain. When dealing with a flooded car, never try to start it to save time—patient drying is crucial, or you risk burning out components and creating more trouble.
