AVOID PERSONAL INJURY
Some Manufacturers have warned that airbags can deploy unexpectedly after exposure to water. Check with your car’s manufacturer for advisories and warnings.
AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE
Don’t start your car engine until you are certain no water will be pulled into the engine. It only takes a little water passing through the air intake to damage an engine. Check your air filter to make sure it is completely dry before starting your car. If it has been more than a day or so since your car was exposed to water the air filter may dry naturally but water can be sitting in the air intake. If there is any doubt, take steps to be sure that no water is present in the air intake or cylinders.
AVOID FIRE DAMAGE
Thinking about fire damage in a flooded car may sound like a contradictions, but shorted out electrical connections can lead to fires well after the flood waters have receded. Disconnecting battery cables can prevent this potential problem.
INSURANCE
Mark high water levels and, if your car has insurance that covers flood damage, notify your insurance company of the water damage loss. If your vehicle is insured for water damage, follow your insurer’s instructions on what to do next. Ask what you can do to help preserve your car from further damage.
START THE DRYING PROCESS
Remove water from the car’s interior and trunk area as quickly as possible. Disassembling the car interior, removing seats, carpets, door panels and other exposed components to allow them to dry thoroughly is the best option. Many cars have drain plugs in the trunk area and passenger compartments.
CHECK ALL FLUIDS
If there is any doubt about contamination, flush and replace all fluids. Water in the gas tank, transmission, power steering, and other fluids is not common, but possible. Usually this occurs when the water exposure was very deep.
ELECTRONICS
Electrical components are easily damaged by water. If your car was exposed to salt water it is likely that many electrical components cannot be saved. Cars exposed to fresh water have a better chance of recovery that parts exposed to salt water. Have a qualified technician check computers, power seat and window motors, spark plug wires, battery connections, wiring harnesses and electrical connections and all dash components.
MECHANICAL PRECAUTIONS
Brakes, starter motors, wheel bearings, door hinges, seat tracks and pretty much anything else that moves can be damaged by water. Have a qualified technician assess these components for necessary repairs or damage prevention.
If you choose to repair your car, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Make sure all steps are taken to prevent corrosion and further damage. Even when every precaution is taken to repair flood damage and prevent further damage, don’t be surprised when problems crop up days, weeks or even months later. Take it from the insurance industry’s experience, replacing a flood car is often cheaper and easier than attempting repairs.
Other Articles on How to Deal with a Flood-Damaged Car
How to Clean a Flood or Water Damaged Car
What to Do if Your Car is Exposed to High Water
Typical Types of Water Damage to Vehicles