Will the car be damaged if it gets submerged in rain?
2 Answers
Will the car be damaged if it gets submerged in rain? The answer is yes. Here are some relevant introductions about water-damaged vehicles: 1. Concept: A water-damaged vehicle refers to a car that has been soaked in water, usually meaning the engine and transmission have been submerged, with the water level exceeding the wheels and body seats, and the bottom parts of the vehicle have been in prolonged contact with water. Such vehicles pose significant risks, as the electrical circuits are prone to short circuits and even fires. If the system is merely damp or has minor short circuits, generally there is no major issue; the circuits can be dried naturally or with a hairdryer to restart the car. In severe cases, the fuse may need to be replaced. 2. Insurance: There are two types of insurance related to vehicle submersion: the most common is the vehicle damage insurance, and the other is called the engine special loss insurance, commonly known as water submersion insurance.
A few days ago, I was deeply moved by the flooding in my residential underground garage. I believe the extent of damage to a vehicle after being submerged mainly depends on the water level. If water reaches above the engine air intake, starting the engine could cause it to suck in water, leading to engine failure—repair costs could be as high as buying a used car. Even if the engine isn’t started, components like the transmission breather hole and chassis wiring soaked in dirty water can cause metal parts to rust and corrode, making repairs troublesome. My personal advice is to avoid touching any switches after water exposure and directly call a tow truck to a professional repair shop. Have them remove seats and carpets to thoroughly dry and inspect the electrical system; otherwise, issues like ABS failure or random short circuits might appear months later.