Why Are Vehicles Usually Scrapped After Being Submerged in Water?
2 Answers
It may cause engine failure, electrical short circuits, damage to the driving system, and other impacts. Here is relevant information: 1. Assess Road Conditions: During driving, carefully observe the water's depth, flow speed, and the nature of the bottom, as well as the width of the entry and exit areas and road conditions, to determine if it is safe to pass through. When confirming that your vehicle's structure can handle it, generally choose the shortest route with the shallowest water level, slowest flow, and firmest bottom. 2. Maintain Steady Throttle: Avoid revving the engine or accelerating abruptly to prevent water splashing into the engine and causing it to stall; maintain a steady throttle while driving, do not stop while passing through the water, and try to avoid shifting gears or making sharp turns midway. If the engine stalls, remember not to restart the vehicle.
I've been fixing cars for over 20 years, and the main reason flooded cars are basically totaled is that water damage runs too deep. Water doesn't just stay on the surface—it seeps into the engine. If you start it up, water in the cylinders can lock up the pistons, requiring an engine teardown that costs thousands just to begin with. Even worse is the electrical system; the car is full of circuits, and contact with water causes short circuits—once the ECU gets fried, repairs are next to impossible. Over time, the carpets and seats inside the car grow mold and stink, metal parts rust, and the repair costs often exceed the car's value, prompting insurers to write it off. That's why I always advise against driving a flooded car to the shop for inspection—you're just making things worse. The real issue is water trapped in crevices; months later, problems will still crop up. Without a thorough cleanup, it's best to just scrap it.
