Why Can't Flood-Damaged Cars Drive on Highways?
3 Answers
After being repaired, various components of a flood-damaged car will be affected, and there will still be many issues post-repair, which is why they cannot be driven on highways. Below are the damage assessment standards for flood-damaged cars: 1. Water-immersed car: The water level exceeds the car's chassis, known as a water-immersed car. 2. Semi-flooded car: The water level exceeds the oil dipstick, referred to as a semi-flooded car. 3. Fully flooded car: The water level exceeds the engine hood or the dashboard panel, called a fully flooded car. Additional information: A flood-damaged car refers to a vehicle that has been submerged in water, typically involving the engine and transmission being soaked, with water depth exceeding the wheels and body seats, and prolonged contact between the vehicle's bottom components and water. Such cars pose significant risks, as their electrical systems are prone to short circuits, fires, etc.
Flood-damaged cars should not be driven on highways mainly due to the high safety risks. I've seen many cases where electrical systems are prone to short circuits after flooding, such as failures in the engine control unit or ABS anti-lock braking system. On highways, where speeds are high, even a minor malfunction can lead to brake failure or sudden engine stalling, potentially causing rear-end collisions. Additionally, rusted chassis and suspension components degrade handling performance, making the car unstable in turns and prone to skidding. The high impurity content in floodwater can also clog oil passages, leading to insufficient lubrication and engine overheating or even explosion. In short, driving a flood-damaged car on the highway is literally playing with your life. I recommend not taking the risk—either scrap the car or have it thoroughly repaired before considering driving it again. Life is too precious to gamble with safety just to save money.
I've personally experienced issues with flood-damaged cars. Last year, my friend bought one cheap and insisted on driving it on the highway. Halfway through, the brakes felt spongy and almost caused a collision with the car ahead. The submerged braking system had severe corrosion, with fluid leaks or rust jams, causing delayed response at high speeds. Water entering the engine caused internal rust, risking sudden failure under heavy load. The car also developed mold, making me feel dizzy after long drives due to poor air quality. Repairs are expensive and often incomplete—better to sell it early and get a new car. High-speed conditions amplify small problems into major risks; don't gamble with your safety or others'.
