No driver expects to find their trusted car submerged in flooded waters. An unexpected influx of flood water into your vehicle is never a pleasant surprise. Promptly addressing water damage to your car can help prevent potential escalation of damage to your car as it sits in salty or muddy waters. Even ‘minor’ floods can cause significant damage to the interior and exterior of your car and present a myriad of issues ranging from electrical damage to unpleasant odors. Today, we discuss five essential steps to take for flood-damaged cars.

Can Flood-Damaged Cars Be Saved?

Depending on the severity of the damage, an experienced mechanic can repair a car that suffered flood damage from fresh waters. Saltwater can cause irreparable harm to vehicles, and there is no way to successfully salvage a car flooded with salt water.

Automotive flood damage occurs when a vehicle has been partially submerged in waters to the degree that significant damage can be found in the engine, safety features like airbags, and transmission. Repairs may be possible for vehicles with moderate flood damage, but unfortunately, many vehicles see their untimely demise due to catastrophic floods.

This guide highlights five crucial measures to focus on if your car has sustained flood damage.

1. Inspect The Visible Damage

Take a moment to quickly address the immediately apparent damage suffered while keeping a keen eye out for moisture, rust, and mildew odor.

2. Do Not Attempt To Start Your Car

If there is still water within the engine, you can safely assume it has also breached the intake tract and exhaust valve cylinders. Turning the ignition with such considerable moisture in the engine may increase the damage beyond the point of repair.

3. Remove Excess Moisture

Removing as much moisture as possible during this initial surmising stage is imperative. Excess moisture in the interior fabric leads to mold and mildew. It’s most effective to use a combination of techniques, such as a shop vac, moisture-removing packets or hangers, and fans.

Water can wreak havoc on vehicular electrical systems, affecting automatic braking systems and the power controls responsible for locking the doors and opening windows. Several water-based issues will not be visible, so be sure to take notice of the aroma of mold and mildew.

4. Air Out Your Car

If the conditions allow, open each of your car doors and windows. A consistent source of airflow throughout the vehicle can dry out your car, prevent further mildew and mold, and hopefully eliminate some of the odors that have built up. Ensure you have removed all carpets and floor mats to accelerate the drying process. Circulating air fans are an option if the conditions outside the vehicle are rainy and damp.

5. Have Your Car Towed For Inspection

Now that you have surmised the condition of your flood-damaged car, it is time to hand the matter over to a professional. If your vehicle has incurred water damage due to flooding, have your vehicle towed to a reputable auto shop for an inspection. There, a trained mechanic can determine if your vehicle can be salvaged and returned to road-worthy condition and gauge whether reversing the water damage would be a wise or cost-effective solution.

Car Inspections, Repairs, and More At T3 Atlanta

Taking the time and resources to properly care for and maintain your trusted vehicle goes a long way toward its long-standing performance and safety. T3 Atlanta offers affordable and efficient services for Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, and Infiniti drivers. Our team can review and gauge the cost of flood and water damage. Give us a call to have one of our award-winning mechanics care for your vehicle today!