4 Things To Do if Your Car Is Flooded

Floods can strike unexpectedly, leaving behind significant damage in their wake. If your car has been caught in a flood, the situation can be overwhelming. The good news is that all hope is not lost. By taking the right steps promptly, you can minimize damage and potentially save your vehicle from long-term harm. In this article, we’ll discuss 4 essential things to do if your car is flooded, helping you navigate this stressful situation effectively.

1. Do Not Start the Car

Your first instinct might be to start your car and assess whether it’s still functional, but resist the urge. Starting a flooded car can cause irreversible damage to its engine and electrical components. Here’s why:

• Water in the engine: Floodwater can seep into the engine through the air intake. If you try to start the car with water in the cylinders, it can lead to a condition known as hydrolock—where the pistons can’t compress water, resulting in severe engine damage.
• Electrical failure: Modern cars are filled with electronic systems, from the battery to the sensors and onboard computers. Flooding can short-circuit these components, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.

Instead of starting the car, call for a towing service and have the vehicle transported to a professional mechanic for inspection. Let the experts determine whether the car is safe to start.

2. Assess the Water Level and Damage

Before you can decide on the next steps, it’s important to assess how deeply your car was submerged. The extent of the flooding will determine the level of damage and your course of action. Here’s what to check:

• Water level on the car: Look at the exterior to see how high the water reached. If the water rose above the door sills and entered the cabin, there’s a higher chance of significant damage.
• Inside the car: Open the doors and check the interior for signs of flooding. Are the carpets, seats, and dashboard soaked? If water has entered the cabin, you may be facing electrical and upholstery damage as well as possible mold growth.
• Engine compartment: Pop the hood and inspect the engine bay. Even if water didn’t reach the engine itself, it could have entered other critical components, like the alternator, battery, or air filter.

If your car was submerged only partially—up to the tires or lower doors—the damage may be limited to the interior and can be more manageable. However, if the water level was above the dashboard, it’s likely the car has sustained severe electrical damage.

3. Dry Out the Interior and Check Fluids

Once you’ve assessed the damage, the next step is to dry out your car’s interior. Removing as much moisture as possible will help prevent further damage, such as mold and mildew growth. Here’s how you can start the process:

• Remove water: If there’s standing water inside, use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to soak up as much as possible. In cases of severe flooding, you may need to remove the seats and carpets to dry the cabin properly.
• Air circulation: Open the doors and windows to promote airflow through the car. If you have access to fans or a dehumidifier, these can help speed up the drying process.
• Check the fluids: Floodwaters can contaminate your car’s vital fluids, such as the oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Before trying to start the car, check the fluid levels and their condition. If any of the fluids appear milky or discolored, it’s a sign that water has mixed in, and the fluids should be drained and replaced by a mechanic.

Leaving moisture in your car, even for a short period, can lead to long-term damage like rust and mold growth, which may cause lasting harm to your vehicle’s interior.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve taken initial steps to assess and mitigate the damage, it’s time to contact your insurance provider. Whether your car is covered will depend on the type of insurance policy you have. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Comprehensive coverage: If you have comprehensive insurance, flooding is usually covered. The insurance company may pay for repairs or even declare your car a total loss if the damage is too extensive.
• Document the damage: Before making any repairs, take detailed photos and videos of the flood damage. This documentation will be critical when filing your insurance claim.
• Professional assessment: Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the car and assess the extent of the damage. Be prepared to provide any receipts, repair estimates, or records that can help with the claims process.

Dealing with insurance can be time-consuming, but it’s an important step in ensuring that you receive compensation for the flood damage, especially if your car is beyond repair.

Conclusion

Flooding can wreak havoc on your car, but taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference. Remember, don’t start the car, as doing so can cause catastrophic engine damage. Instead, assess the extent of the flooding, dry out the interior, and check the fluids for contamination. Finally, contact your insurance company to file a claim and get professional advice on the best way forward. By following these steps, you can protect your investment and hopefully get your car back on the road without breaking the bank.