Is It Safe to Drive a Flood-Damaged Car

In the weeks and months following the severe flooding that has overtaken parts of the country, it is not uncommon for flood-damaged vehicles to appear on the used car market. Hopefully, they’ve been refurbished in a reputable garage or arrested a mechanic had tried to salvage the damage caused by the flood, but some haven’t gotten that treatment before they hit the used car lot. Or perhaps your car was flooded in the recent environmental disaster, would it be safe to drive?

Is it safe to drive a car that has been flooded?

The short answer is no until it has been evaluated and repaired by a competent mechanic. Even after recognizable damage has been repaired, underlying flood-related problems can persist. Flood-induced problems such as rusted body panels, corroded suspension hardware, corroded brake components, and electrical system problems are common and can show up years later.

Do not start the engine if you believe your vehicle has been flooded in a storm or other flood. According to experts, if the water was high enough to cover the car’s engine when the starter motor tried to start the engine, the water would enter the engine’s cylinders and cause damage to internal engine components.

Flood height can often be determined from the “high water level” of surrounding buildings, trees, and fences. Flood water is dirty and carries debris as it rises through the streets between houses. This watermark is a measure of the level of water your vehicle has endured.

Even if the flood water is shallow and only reaches between the bottom of your vehicle’s wheel and the bottom lug nut, it can still damage your brakes. In this case, we recommend treading carefully and not driving until it has been checked by a reputable mechanic.

What Should You Do Next After Car Flood Damage?

If you suspect flood or storm damage, take several photographs of the visible damage, the general appearance of the vehicle, and the surrounding area. If possible, take a short video of the damage and surrounding area and calmly describe what you see and the alleged damage.

Once you document the scene and visible damage, you should do your best to prevent further damage. If it’s still raining, cover the broken windows with plastic. Keep the room as dry as possible and open the doors and windows when it is not raining.

Once you and your car are safe, file a report with your insurance company(If you have one).  If you don’t know who to contact, look for the phone number on your insurance card. The confirmation card must also contain your policy number. This is required for reporting.

This might be difficult if you have been displaced by the flooding. In such a case, your car should be the least of your worries until the water level has reduced. If you don’t have car insurance, you are advised to wait until the water level is not substantial, and if possible watch out for a local mechanic to help secure the damage done to the car. You shouldn’t expect your car to be up and running even if the water levels have reduced. Try as much as possible to get the car towed if the car refuses to start to keep it in a more secure place. 

Can the car recover from water damage? 

Can the car recover from water damage? According to a report, as cited by Consumer Report (CR), in 2021, “378,000 of his flooded cars are back on the road.” However, CR notes that unscrupulous sellers will attempt to sell flood-damaged vehicles without or beyond the necessary repairs, making buyers “too good an offer for cars and trucks in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.” need to pay attention,”. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

It is important to note that even if your car has been damaged by flood, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the car. Although more susceptible to severe damage, these cars can be repaired, it might cost a pretty penny, but it might be worth it in the end, if you don’t have the money to buy a new one. What is most pertinent at the time, is that you don’t allow the car to remain in the flood for a long time, thus might lead to irreparable damage.