what to do if your car is flooded

What to Do if Your Car is Flooded

Driving in the rain can be fun. Staying inside your vehicle would provide you a safe place to keep you dry and warm. But if you get stuck in a flooded area and your car gets partially or fully submerged in water, it means trouble for you. If you are wondering what to do if your car is flooded or how to fix a flood damaged car, here are some tips you should follow.

  1. Do not start your car

You will just make it worse if you try to start the car while it is flooded. This will cause irreversible damage to the engine and other parts. When the water has already entered the system due to the flooding, starting the car will push more water into the engine, and the pistons will also stop functioning. Such a situation is called “hydro lock,” and getting it repaired will cost you a lot of money. So, arranging for your car to be towed to a safe and dry place should be your first move.

  1. Remove the water as fast as you can

You must take the car out to a drier place and remove all the water as soon as you can. The longer the water stays inside, the more the damage will be. Especially, the water can harm the wiring, electronic, and mechanical system of your vehicle. Watch out for muddy or salty water because, in this case, even if the water dried, it will leave behind dirt or residue, which will further damage your car. You should then ventilate the vehicle, which will help in drying and reducing the odor. If my car was flooded is it totaled- if that’s what you are thinking, then there is no right answer for that. It depends on how much water has penetrated and what is the extent of the damage. If your vehicle gets damaged beyond repair, you may consider selling it to junk car buyers.

  1. Review your insurance

The cost of getting a flooded car repaired can be exorbitant. So, the first thought that may come to your mind is, does car insurance cover flood damage. The answer will depend on the policy you have chosen. A comprehensive insurance policy that covers fire and theft should also cover flood damage. So, if you have opted for that, you are safe as the insurance will pay for all the repairs. Review your insurance, evaluate the damage to your car, and call the agent.

But if you know a little bit about repairing a car, you should do a few things once you bring your vehicle to a dry place.

  • Check the oil dipstick
  • Remove cylinders if they are damaged by the water
  • Remove the spark plugs
  • Change the oil
  • Check the electrical components
  • Dry the car as much as you can
  • Try to wet vacuum the vehicle to take out the water and accumulated dirt

Cash For Cars

If your car was submerged or if the water was muddy or salty, the chances are that there is no way to fix your flood damaged car. In such a scenario, you may junk it for cash for junk cars. At least you will get some money for it.