Why is a car considered totaled when submerged in water?

[LeIan]

The specific reasons why a car is considered totaled when submerged in water are as follows: 1. Engine damage: When a vehicle is submerged, water can enter the cylinders through the intake manifold. Due to the incompressibility of water, the piston's movement will be shortened, leading to bending or breaking of the engine connecting rods. In extreme cases, the broken connecting rods can pierce through the engine block. The reason a car stalls in water is that water entering the distributor cap disrupts the normal ignition function, and the engine air filter element getting soaked increases intake resistance and allows water to enter the combustion chamber, preventing the spark plugs from igniting. Attempting to restart the engine under these conditions can easily cause a hydro lock. 3. Compromised engine oil performance: If water enters the engine, it will also mix with the engine oil, causing the oil to degrade and lose its original properties. This means the oil can no longer perform its functions of lubrication, cooling, sealing, and corrosion prevention, ultimately harming the engine.

[DelVivian]

I've repaired quite a few flood-damaged cars at the shop before. The main reason water-damaged cars get totaled is that flooding ruins a ton of components. In the engine bay, water can flood into the engine, causing internal rust or even seized pistons - attempting to start it could completely destroy the motor. Soaked wiring harnesses short circuit, and damaged control modules require expensive replacements. Waterlogged seats and carpets become moldy, smelly bacterial breeding grounds making the car unsafe to drive. Ultimately, repairs often exceed the car's original value, so insurers recommend totaling it. If your car gets flooded, never try to start it - have it towed for inspection immediately.

[ColtonDella]

As a car enthusiast, I've discussed this with friends. The simple explanation for why a flooded car is often totaled is that water damages critical components. For example, water entering the engine can cause excessive pressure leading to cylinder explosion, while wet circuit boards short-circuit and burn out immediately when powered on. Repairs end up being piecemeal and expensive. Additionally, undercarriage parts corrode rapidly, and over time, the chassis can rust through, creating major safety hazards on the road. I've seen cases where repaired cars developed new issues within months—sometimes it's just better to total them. I recommend owners elevate their vehicles or add waterproof seals before rainy seasons to avoid trouble.

[VonValerie]

Decades of driving experience from seasoned drivers show that the main reason water-damaged cars are totaled is the irreversible corrosion of metal and wiring. Rusted engine components can seize up, requiring costly repairs, while damp wiring short circuits pose fire hazards. Waterlogged interiors grow mold, producing odors that harm respiratory health. Insurers deem it reasonable to total a car when repair costs exceed its value. Having experienced this early in my career, I advise getting a professional assessment immediately after flooding—don't delay.

[DeMaci]

When dealing with insurance claims, cases of water-damaged vehicles being totaled are common. The core issue is that repairing the damage caused by water immersion to the entire vehicle system is not cost-effective. Hydraulic shock damage from water entering the engine is significant, and the high replacement cost of the ECU control computer after water damage renders it inoperable. Additionally, water-absorbed genuine leather seats become deformed and are difficult to dispose of after being totaled. It is standard practice to declare a total loss when the comprehensive repair costs exceed 70% of the vehicle's value. It is recommended that owners promptly take photos and report the incident to minimize losses, and opt for official channels for handling the situation.