What to Do When Your Car Is Flooded by Rainstorm?
2 Answers
The solutions for a flooded car are: 1. Do not power on the vehicle, let alone start it; 2. Seek towing assistance; 3. Tow the car to a 4S shop or repair shop for a comprehensive inspection and repair. Problems that may occur with a flooded car include: 1. The inner side of the door panels, air conditioning ducts, crankcase, and differential cavities are difficult to clean and prone to mold and rust; 2. The grease in the four-wheel bearings and half-shafts may deteriorate after being soaked in water; 3. Some sand and gravel cannot be cleaned and may remain in gears or belts, causing certain parts to be prone to damage and producing abnormal noises initially; 4. Corrosion and rust on the vehicle's wiring may lead to sudden stalling or spontaneous combustion due to short circuits while driving.
If the car is flooded by heavy rain, the first thing I think of is that safety is the most important. Never start the engine, as water entering can damage it, and in severe cases, the repair costs can be very high. Quickly exit the car to a dry and elevated area, staying away from standing water to avoid electric shock. Take a few photos or videos as evidence, including the water depth and the condition of the car body, which can be very helpful for subsequent claims. Then, contact the insurance company to report the situation, and they will guide you on the next steps. Usually, you need to call a tow truck to take the car to a professional repair shop—don’t try to drive it there yourself. The shop will check the electrical system, air conditioning ducts, and interior to determine if cleaning or part replacement is needed to prevent mold and odors. Having gone through this once, I believe acting early can minimize the damage.
