What Do I Do If My Vehicle Is Flooded? – Safe‧♡‧College🎓Student.com

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Flooding of residential areas due to tropical storms or hurricanes, rivers overtopping or dam failures, or even heavy rainstorms that result in severe street flooding is becoming more common. In addition to causing damage to homes and businesses, often these events leave vehicles flooded, as well.

Floodwater is detrimental to your vehicle in several ways:

• “Hydrolock” — In hydrolocked situations, water has entered the engine through the air intake and caused internal damage [Important: Never start car without inspection!]

• Electrical problems (wiring connections, computers, power seats, power windows, etc.)

• Mechanical problems with brakes, starters, and/or other moving parts

• Water in the oil or other critical vehicle fluids

• Rusting seat track and rusting of other metals exposed to water

• Mold, mildew, and other unpleasant odors

The best thing to do, if possible, is to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic. However, while waiting on that option, or if you wish to do small inspections on your own, we’ve outlined some key vehicle-check steps…

*Note: Saltwater vs. Freshwater Flooding
The general consensus is: If your vehicle has been exposed to saltwater flooding, it is almost certainly a total loss… Only cars impacted by freshwater might have a chance at being salvaged/repaired.

And, even if your car can be repaired, other issues may creep up over time…(see: video below – YouTube, Fox5 New York)…

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So – What do you do if your vehicle has been flooded?

#1. First and foremost — Do not attempt to move your car while a severe weather event is underway, doing so not only puts you at risk of becoming dangerously stranded or trapped as flood waters rise, but may also increase the chances and extent of flood damage to your vehicle. Further — Wait for flood waters to recede before inspecting your vehicle…

#2.Take photos/video — Even if your car is not fully insured, take photographs and/or video of the damage once it is safe to do so. Recording this info will come in handy should you decide to tow your car to a mechanic for full inspection, for monetary aid if certain types of disaster financial relief become available for your area, and, of course – if you are insured against vehicle flooding (for example: comprehensive coverage) having photos/video of the damage helps filing a claim go smoother…

#3. Do an initial, exterior survey of flood damage — Many times, there will be indicators on/along the exterior of your vehicle, as well as around it – “high water marks” from dirt and debris in floodwaters (reminder! never walk in floodwaters!) often appear as a line on buildings or fences, etc. near (or on) your vehicle, indicating just how deeply submerged your car or truck may have been.

If it appears that floodwaters remained relatively shallow – reaching only the lowest lug nuts / bottom half of your vehicle’s tires, it’s possible your engine may not be damaged — HOWEVER, your brakes and other components might be damaged…

… In all cases, it is recommended that your car be towed to a mechanic to be properly inspected, tested, and if possible, repaired — NEVER START OR TRY TO MOVE YOUR CAR RIGHT AWAY…

#4. Leave engine OFF — Starting your vehicle without knowing whether water got into your engine may render an otherwise damaged engine – not repairable. If you start your vehicle and water is, in fact, in the engine – this will result in hydro-lock, making it so your car is only repairable with a HIGH mechanic bill, or more likely, it will become too damaged to repair at all…

In hydrolocked situations, water has entered the engine and caused internal damage… Hydrolock most commonly occurs when drivers attempt to drive through high water or when a car owner attempts to move a vehicle when he or she realizes that water is rising or has risen around the car (source: CarBrain).

#5. Disconnect the battery — Many electrical items in your vehicle have “constant power” being run to them. Water mixed with electrical current can cause failures in these components. [In fact, disconnecting the battery BEFORE flooding / in anticipation of flooding can be good to do, too]… Additionally, if you are experienced with car maintenance/repair, you may also want to remove the spark plugs (checking them for moisture).

For instructions on how to disconnect your vehicle battery, see: “How to Disconnect and Reconnect the Car Battery” (video, YouTube, by FIX MY CAR)

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SUGGESTED VIDEO 1: WE HIGHLY SUGGEST WATCHING THE VIDEO BELOW for a step-by-step check of vehicle components (#s 6—8) for evidence of water intrusion…(source: YouTube, Bozi Tatarevic)

#6. Check Engine Oil — Remove and wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert, then pull it out again to check oil. If there’s water droplets on the dipstick – or, if there is a “milky” appearance, then there is water in your vehicle’s oil. If you start the car, oil and water will mix and move through vehicle components (not good)…

#7. Check Air Filter — Similarly, if the vehicle’s air filter is wet or shows signs that it was wet, and/or if there is water present in the air filter compartment, then the engine might have water in it.

#8. Check vehicle interior — If your vehicle is wet inside, depending upon how high you find evidence of water in your car/truck, there may be significant damage – including to the engine… [General Consensus: If water has reached your dashboard, vehicle is likely a total loss]

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SUGGESTED VIDEO 2: WE HIGHLY SUGGEST WATCHING THE VIDEO BELOW for more info on exterior inspection of your vehicle for flood markers, as well as, inspection of vehicle interior and interior components (#s 6—8) for evidence of water intrusion and corresponding damages…(source: YouTube, JBMediaWerks)

Flood Damaged Car Video

*NOTE: IN ALL INSTANCES WHEN WATER IS SUSPECTED TO BE IN VEHICLE ENGINE – DO NOT START / ATTEMPT TO DRIVE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK … It will need to be towed to a mechanic for professional inspection and repair (if repair is possible…)

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#9. Regardless of whether water is in the engine – if water has gotten into your vehicle interior (seats, etc.) and you intend to attempt repairs – you will want to dry out the inside as much as possible… (and, when applicable – to prevent further/future water damage, cover any broken windows with plastic)…

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DRYING OUT OF VEHICLE INTERIOR:

— If you have a wet/dry vacuum, or can borrow or rent one, use it to suck standing water out of the floor, etc. Suck out any puddles that may be present first, then move onto to absorbing as much moisture as possible from all fabric (rugs, seats, etc.). NOTE: Do NOT use a regular vacuum cleaner for this step – using a regular vacuum puts you at risk of electrocution

— Whether you are able to use a wet/dry vacuum or not, using towels – either for initial sopping up of puddles, or as a means to further soak up water left after you’ve used a wet/dry vac – is also recommended. [cloth towels, wrung out and reapplied, are generally considered more effective than paper towels]

— Remove all floor mats…
…If your seats are wet, as well, and if you’re able to do so – also remove seat cushions and/or vehicle seats and leave them outside (if no rain is forecast!) to quicken the drying process of those items, as well as, to allow for faster drying of the remainder of your car or truck. [it is recommended that, if possible, you also elevate the base rug on your vehicle floor to at least partly dry the thick foam that lay beneath it in many car/truck models]

— VENTILATE (if you can)… If rains have stopped and are not forecast to start up again, and you have leeway to do so without causing obstruction to vehicles attempting to pass your car or truck in the street – open the doors of your car, truck, SUV, station wagon, etc. – this includes hatchback trunk doors that can allow air to get into the vehicle’s interior. If your vehicle has manual windows, open them, as well. NOTE: For vehicles with power windows – DO NOT turn the key in the ignition of your vehicle to roll down electric windows – stick to keeping the doors open for ventilation.

— If you have fans that are portable, or you are able to run electrical cords far enough (SAFELY!) for fans to reach your car/truck – turn them on and direct them at portions of the interior [adjust placement as needed] to further ventilate and dry water that remains in your vehicle.

— You may also want to place moisture-absorbing products in your car, such as baking soda or DampRid, as a last step at DIY drying.

… Also: Some vehicles have drainage holes or plugs in the floors (some also have drainage plugs in the doors). You may be able to unplug these to make getting standing water puddles out of the car easier. In some cars and trucks, you can also prop up carpeting to make drying quicker [however, the foam that is beneath the base rugs of most car/truck models will likely need replacing if it has been soaked]…

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#10. If your car is insured – begin the process of filing a claim with your insurance company (after you have taken photos/video to document damages – See: step #2)… The number for your insurance company should be on your “proof of insurance” card. Speak to the insurance representative about reimbursement for towing to a mechanic, and whether/where/how your insurance company intends to inspect your vehicle’s flood damage.

*For more info on the likelihood of your vehicle being covered for flooding, about how to document and report damages to your insurance company, and what to expect, see here.

If your insurance company instructs you to, or, if your car or truck is uninsured and you intend to repair it…

#11-A. Have your vehicle towed to a mechanic for inspection and (if possible) repairs
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#11-B. If you or someone you know is experienced with more advanced car maintenance/repairs – see this guide for further instructions on flushing-out systems, etc. NOTE: It is absolutely NOT recommended that people who are inexperienced with car maintenance/repairs attempt any of these steps… More Advanced Guide (from AutoZone) – “What To Do With A Flooded Vehicle”

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FINAL NOTE: If you are able to/choose to repair your flooded vehicle, keep in mind that — Even after noticeable damage has been repaired, underlying issues associated with flooding may remain. Problems stemming from water exposure, such as rusted body panels, corroded suspension fittings, rotten brake components, and electrical system issues, are common and could occur years later…

Or … Should you choose to move onto another car or truck, and are buying a used vehicle, here’s another video to help with that process (source: YouTube – Scotty Kilmer, aka, “Scotty Quick Fix”)

Checking A Used Car For Flood Damage

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REFERENCES / FURTHER READING:

“Flooded Roads Can Damage Your Vehicle” (online blog/article link), Specialized Truck and Auto: https://specializedtruckandauto.com/elementor-1869/

“A Guide on Cleaning Your Car from Flood or Water Damage …Cleaning a car out after a flood or after water damage can be tricky. If it isn’t done properly, it can result in long-term problems, including mold and mildew” (online blog/article link), CarBrain: https://carbrain.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-flood-or-water-damaged-car

“What Should I Do If My Car Gets Flooded?” (online blog/article link), Clinton Honda: https://www.clintonhonda.com/what-should-i-do-if-my-car-gets-flooded.html

“What to Do When Your Car Has Flooded in the Rain: Step-by-Step Guide” (online blog/article link), Cars24: https://www.cars24.com/blog/what-to-do-car-stuck-flood/

“Is It Safe to Drive a Flood-Damaged Car? …Flood-damaged cars routinely make their way to the used car market in the weeks and months following a significant storm. But are they safe to drive?” (online blog/article link – w/videos), MotorBiscuit: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/is-it-safe-to-drive-a-flood-damaged-car/

” Why Flooded-Out Cars Are Likely Total Losses …When filing auto insurance claims, be patient and prepare for the worst, experts say” (online article link), Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/why-flooded-out-cars-are-likely-total-losses-a9926753411/

” How much flood water does it take to damage a car? Does it matter if it is salt or fresh? …We all know not to drive through floodwater. But what does kind of damage does it do? Salt water is more corrosive than fresh water. But, even rain can damage your car” (online article link – w/video in article), FoxWeather: https://www.foxweather.com/learn/flood-water-damage-car-salt-fresh

“Here’s what to do after your car is flooded …One expert says it is crucial to reach out to your insurance company” (online article link – w/video in article), FoxWeather: https://www.foxweather.com/learn/heres-what-to-do-after-your-car-floods

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Additional references/reading – with caveat!!… both sources below make mention of using a flooded vehicle’s electrical components — DO NOT DO THIS!

“4 Things To Do if Your Car Is Flooded” (online blog/article link), Montway Auto Transport: https://www.montway.com/blog/4-things-to-do-if-your-car-is-flooded/ … NOTE: (again) DO NOT USE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF FLOODED VEHICLE

“7 things to do if your car has flood damage” (online blog/article link), Mach1: https://www.mach1services.com/what-to-do-if-car-has-flood-damage/ … NOTE: (again) DO NOT USE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF FLOODED VEHICLE

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“LAGNIAPPE” … Of course, it is strongly advised to stay off roads during severe weather and to avoid any standing water in streets, underpasses, etc. – However, should you find yourself in a flash flood or similar flood scenario while operating your vehicle, the video below may help during what can surely be a life-threatening situation…(source: YouTube, Good Morning America)

How to escape from car trapped in flood waters l GMA