Author(s)
Floods can be devastating in many ways: properties are destroyed, and people lose precious possessions. Additionally, flooded vehicles may retain water and incur damage as a result, leaving their owners feeling hopeless about the loss of such a significant investment. Fortunately, there are steps you can take immediately after a flood to help avoid further damage. In this blog, we’ll tell you what to do if your car was flooded or experienced water damage.
What to do when your car is flooded:
Flooding can cause serious, long lasting damage to your vehicle, which might not be visible to the untrained eye. Some water damage might not even present itself for months after the flood occurs. The time immediately after your car has been flooded is a crucial moment for reducing further damage, potentially saving your vehicle from extensive repairs or being totaled completely.
If your vehicle was submerged or flooded, have a trained professional inspect it and provide an assessment. Vehicles with engine, transmission, or electrical damage pose a significant hazard. Unless you are a trained auto mechanic, don’t assume you’ll be able to identify or address the problems that result from flood damage. Until you’re able to have a mechanic service your flooded vehicle, here are the steps you should take.
Do not start your car
Even if your car was partially submerged, starting the engine could cause serious damage. If the car is flooded, starting the vehicle will move water through the engine and could leave your car unusable. The worst thing you can do to a flooded vehicle is try to drive it. If it needs to be moved, have it towed or shipped by a professional auto transporter.
Tip: Take note of the water line on your car to get an idea of how deep your car was submerged. This can help you determine the extent of the damage. If the water did not rise above the doors, the damage should be minimal. If the car was submerged past the dashboard, the damage will be much greater and could be considered totaled by your insurance company.
Remove water
Take these steps to remove water—the faster the better. Standing water and excessive moisture in your car can quickly lead to corrosion and mold that result in permanent damage.
- Use a wet vac to remove standing water
- Soak up moisture on seats and floor with towels
- Use fans or dehumidifiers to help with drying
- Take floor mats, seats, and cushions outside to dry if possible
Check the fluids
Inspect your oil, gas, and other fluids. If you notice that water has gotten into the mix, empty and replace the fluids entirely. Contact a mechanic for a further inspection and do not start your car. In this case, you’ll want to have a mechanic visit you on site or have your car towed or shipped to their location.
Check the interior
Water damage can affect nearly every part of your vehicle, and many of the electronic components and accessories are especially vulnerable to excessive moisture. Test your lights, stereo, windows, turn signals, locks, and anything else that relies on battery or electric power. If anything seems out of the ordinary or isn’t functioning properly, it’s a good idea to have it inspected and repaired by a professional.
Vehicle damage caused by flooding
When a car, truck, van, or other vehicle is in a flood, various cosmetic and mechanical damage can occur, including:
- Exterior color fading and/or rusting
- Mold growth inside and around seats and other soft areas
- Mud accumulation in footwells
- Water contamination of spark plugs, wires, and other electrical parts
- Strong, musty odor coming from the interior
- Deterioration of the engine
When not handled properly, these effects can be detrimental and worsen over time. They can even become dangerous for you and others who drive or ride in your car.
Repair options for a flood-damaged car
Depending on the type and extent of the damage, consider your options. Cosmetic issues are relatively easy and cheap to resolve. However, problems with electrical fixtures or the engine can be much more complex and expensive. Virtually any destruction done to your vehicle can be fixed—it’s up to you to determine whether it’s worth the cost.
If the damage is minor, you can choose to bring the vehicle into a mechanic to have it repaired. Look at your insurance policy as well to determine how much of a repair will be covered. Without insurance, more severe damage may rack up a bill in the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to fix. In that case,it may be time to sell the damaged vehicle for parts and purchase a new or used car. If you choose to go that route and sell your car to a salvage yard, keep these tips in mind:
- Since the car is damaged, it will likely sell for significantly less than you originally paid for it. It’s still a good idea to get an appraisal so you can get an accurate valuation.
- You will need the vehicle’s title in order to sell it to the salvage company, and some businesses may also require your driver’s license or other documents.
- Some companies will offer more for your car if you take it apart yourself. We do not recommend doing so unless you are experienced working with automobiles.
- If, after inspection, you are told not to drive the car, take that order seriously and arrange a tow or auto transporter to bring it to the salvage yard.
- Remove all personal items and any add-ons or accessories you’d like to keep (e.g., GPS, stereo system, or license plates) before handing the vehicle off.
More tips and precautions for water damage
A little preparation today can save you a lot of hassle in the future. As hurricane season approaches each year, there are steps you can take to help protect your car and yourself. Learn how to prepare your car for storms and hurricanes. These simple tips can help you prevent water damage and stay safe in the event of severe weather.
With so many vehicles experiencing flooding, some water-damaged cars inevitably end up for sale online or on used vehicle lots. Since water damage can be hard to notice—and even harder to repair—it’s important that car buyers know what to look for. Learn how to avoid buying a water-damaged car.
FAQs
Can a flooded car be fixed?
Depending on the extent of the flooding and how quickly you take action, a flooded car can be repaired. Do not start the engine, remove any water from the car as soon as you can , and have a professional mechanic assess the damage.
How long will a flooded car last?
A flooded car can last many years, provided it gets a thorough inspection and is properly repaired by a professional. If not treated, a flooded car may only last a few months or weeks. While it will take a lot of work to repair, a flooded vehicle can be restored to like-new.
Is a car ruined if it goes underwater?
If your car is fully submerged underwater, it will require extensive repairs and maintenance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s totaled. Fixing a submerged car will involve removing the water from the engine, replacing all fluids, and likely replacing most, if not all, electrical parts. You’ll also want to watch closely for rust and corrosion that might take months to surface—these issues can go unnoticed for long periods of time and cause serious problems later.
Safely move your flooded vehicle
If your car has experienced water damage, you’ll want to get it repaired by a professional. Since the first rule of a flooded or water damaged car is not to start the engine, you may need help transporting your vehicle to a repair shop.
Montway Auto Transport specializes in transporting cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles like RVs, ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Our nationwide network of carriers has the equipment and expertise to move vehicles anywhere in the country, even if they’re inoperable.
Transport your car safely and efficiently with Montway. Get started with a free instant quote or speak with one of our vehicle shipping advisors at 888-666-8929.
