Which is more severe, Level 1 to Level 4 water-damaged vehicles?
3 Answers
Level 4 water-damaged vehicles are the most severe. The water immersion levels are classified as follows: Level 1: Above the lower edge of the brake disc, above the vehicle floor. Level 2: Above the vehicle floor, below the seats. Level 3: Above the seats, below the instrument panel. Level 4: Middle of the instrument panel. Level 5: Above the instrument panel, below the roof. Level 6: The entire vehicle is submerged. Additional Information: Water-damaged vehicles are broadly categorized into three types based on the extent of water immersion: Water depth up to the wheels—these vehicles can still have practical value after repairs. The other two types: Water depth up to the dashboard and water depth up to the roof. These two scenarios are considered severe water damage, with high repair costs and significant potential risks even after repairs. Therefore, insurance will typically compensate as a total loss.
From my perspective as a mechanic, among the four levels of flood-damaged vehicles, level four is the most severe. Level one usually means water just reached the carpet, requiring mainly interior cleaning. Level two reaches below the seats, possibly requiring replacement of some electronic components. Level three reaches the dashboard, with the engine compartment starting to be affected. Level four is the worst, where water has submerged the roof, the engine is flooded, and all computer systems may short-circuit and fail. Repairing such vehicles is time-consuming and labor-intensive, with little chance of success. I once encountered a level four flood-damaged car—upon disassembly, not only was the battery ruined, but the internal corrosion was severe, making the repair costs exceed the price of a new car. Many are simply scrapped. In the long term, residual moisture can corrode wiring, posing safety hazards while driving. So, if your car has been through a flood, check the undercarriage immediately to prevent prolonged soaking. Always park in higher spots as a precaution.
Having driven for ten years, I've personally experienced the issue of water entering a car after a flood. Among the four levels, level four is definitely the most challenging. Level one just means the floor is wet, and it can still be used after drying; level two reaches below the floor mats, requiring attention to the wiring; level three starts to trouble the engine; level four is disastrous, with the entire car submerged in water, making it difficult to even start. My car had minor water damage and was manageable, but my neighbor's SUV was completely submerged by floodwaters. A few days later, when attempting to start it, smoke immediately came out, and the engine was ruined. The repair costs were too high, so they had to sell it. The higher the water damage level, the more severe the damage. Level four usually cannot be repaired and must be scrapped, causing significant financial and emotional stress. As car owners, it's essential to learn some emergency knowledge, such as not rushing to start the car after water damage and instead towing it to a professional shop for inspection. When parking, avoid low-lying spots to minimize unexpected losses.
