Why is a car considered totaled after being submerged in water?
2 Answers
Cars are considered totaled after being submerged in water for the following reasons: 1. Damage caused: It may lead to engine failure, electrical short circuits, damage to the driving system, and other impacts. 2. Effects: Vehicles submerged in water due to various reasons are affected by the water level and duration of submersion in terms of the extent of damage. Components prone to damage include circuits, electrical devices, precision instruments, thermal and sound insulation materials, and oils. High-value repairs involve the engine, transmission, computer system, audio and electrical equipment, wiring, airbags, steering system, etc. 3. Resale value: Moreover, it affects the car's future resale value. Generally, a water-damaged car sold second-hand will be priced at half the value of a car that hasn't been submerged in water.
The reason water-damaged cars are often totaled is due to irreversible damage to the entire vehicle, especially to the engine and electronic systems. I've seen many flood-damaged car cases where water entering the cylinders causes connecting rods to bend under high-pressure compression, instantly destroying the engine. When electronic control units get soaked, short circuits and rust occur, requiring replacement of entire computer modules at exorbitant costs. Waterlogged interiors lead to mold growth, bacterial proliferation, and foul odors that affect health. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value, and even after repairs, hidden issues may persist—such as unstable wiring increasing fire risks. From my perspective, it's better to total an unreliable vehicle than spend heavily on repairs, which is often what insurance companies recommend for peace of mind. Saltwater flooding is even worse, accelerating corrosion that completely destroys many components.