loader

An Ultimate Guide To Things To Do In Case Your Car Gets Flooded

By Andrea Nicole


Posted on Oct 20, 2022


guided_on_flooded_car

Wherever you are, if Mother Nature decides to surprise us with the deadliest weather, there’s nothing that we can do. Although the actual calamity is unavoidable, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the aftermaths of it. One of the problems that most people face during this time is destroyed cars due to flooding. Here’s a quick guide on how you should go about should you encounter this problem.

flooded_car

Source: Flickr 

What happens to your car once flooded?

flooded-car

Source: Picryl

Before we go into the step-by-step process of how to respond to your flooded car, let us first discuss the issues you’ll encounter with your vehicle after a downpour. 

  • Electrical System Malfunction: The electronics of your car are one of the most severe damages from flooding. The primary reason for facing these problems is short circuits. This comes from the build-up of moisture from the temperature brought about by the storm. Should you notice something wrong with your electrical control unit (ECU), fuses, audio systems, air conditioning system, and other components, then there is probably electrical trouble.
  • Interior Molds: There are also times when flooded cars cause health issues to people. Whenever it gets submerged in water, there is a high chance that there will be mold and mildew build up in your interiors. These are usually found in seats, door panels, trunks, carpets, floor mats, and headliners. If left unnoticed, it may only cause respiratory diseases to the driver and passengers.
  • Engine Mechanical Damages: Engines are one of the most critical components to check after flooding. When water extends to the engine parts, such as the cylinders and air intake, compression will happen to the piston. Given that water does not compress, there is a high possibility that the engine will stall since the piston's rods will break.
  • Corrosion in Car Parts: One of the most common problems a vehicle encounters when exposed to flood is developing rust. It might take a long time for rust to form in the different parts of your car. However, once it spreads out, it may only weaken the structure of the vehicle. This may lead to the deterioration and lessened functionality of vital parts like shifting gears and brakes.
  • Contaminated Fluids: Trouble is just around the corner when water contaminates your vehicle’s fluids such as the brake fluid, coolant reservoirs, transmission, and power steering. These are even more critical when floodwater integrates with spark plugs, fuel, and fuel injectors.

Things To Do If Your Car Gets Flooded

Don’t panic once you see your vehicle submerged in a pool of water. There are a lot of things that you can do to avoid aftermath damages without having to spend a lot of money. Listed below is a quick guide that you can use for reference.

Check and Survey The Situation

When you see the state of your car, don’t be distracted by panic and surprise. Instead, make sure to survey the situation first and check how much damage your car has encountered. Do not forget to support this by taking photos of the initial situation since it might get useful along the way especially when you’re applying for insurance.

Always remember not to start the engine instantly. It might be detrimental to the situation of the car if you still don’t know the actual state it is in. Just in case it houses water inside upon starting, there is a high chance that it will result in a hydrolock. This not only hurts your vehicle but might also create a hole in the pocket due to the enormous repair bill you’ll face.

Dry Your Car

The next thing you should do is dry your vehicle. Remove as much moisture as you can to avoid any musty odor or the growth of mold.

The best way to eliminate moisture from your vehicle is through the use of a vacuum. A vacuum has different tips and noses that you can use but make sure to maximize the smaller ones so that you get to sweep up to the corners. It can also be helpful to use towels to help dry big pools of water.

car-insurance-online

Just to end the process, you can completely dry the car with the use of fans to help dry the seats and cushions. Open all the doors and just allow the air to flow in the car. This won’t only dry the car but also eliminate all the lingering odors and avoid mold and mildew.

File Your Claim

car-claim

Source: Pix4free 

It is recommended to have car auto insurance so you’re secured during these trying times. These comprehensive auto insurances will shoulder the expenses for repair or even pay for your vehicle if it’s completely totaled. 

With this in mind, always put this step as a critical item on your list. Call your insurance agent and inform them of the situation so they can advise you on the next steps. Repairs under this insurance fall under the Acts of Nature coverage. It’s better if you send them a photo of the condition of your vehicle and even create a testimony of what happened to keep you covered. 

Thoroughly read your insurance coverage and make modifications if you see any holes and opportunities in your policy.

Check the Fuel and Electrical System

Another crucial thing at times like this is to check the oil level. Get a stick and measure the oil in your vehicle. You’ll get a view of whether there are droplets on the sticks, and this usually means that water has entered the engine. Make sure that you do not start your car to avoid the mixture of oil and water. The next thing to do is to secure the fuel system to drain the gas and flush it out. 

There’s also merit to inspect the electric system and determine whether they are placed above or below the flood level. If below, it is crucial to replace the affected system. Don’t forget to keep the following in check as well: power locks, headlights, power windows, turn signals, clutch, brakes, coolant reservoirs, clutch, and power steering.

Call a Qualified Mechanic

car-mechanic

Source: Pexels

If there is severe damage experienced, it’s better to call a mechanic to inspect the totality of the situation. This can also be the time to get a quotation on how much the repair would be.

Weigh the Options

Now that you have a view of how much everything would cost, net out the expenses that your insurance will cover, if any. Once you have crunched the final number, compare it to the value if you were to buy a new car. If repairing your current car is more costly, then it might be better to start window shopping for another vehicle.

Save Your Flooded Car

The main question is whether there’s a chance to save your precious vehicle after encountering a flood. There are various factors to consider. If you’re living near a coastal area, then your car might only be integrated with salty water. If this scenario holds you, don’t even bother to save it, as this is beyond repair already. 

If it’s fresh water, however, then an experienced mechanic will be your friend. Make sure that you get to partner with someone who already has experience with fixing flooded cars. 

Overall, it’s not too late if you’re dealing with fresh water damage. Just follow the tips above to help you with this car dilemma.


Read Also:


  • Car GPS Tracker
  • UCCP EON PILIPINAS
  • Sportline Tuning & Style Magazine Auto Show
  • UCCP Lord of the Wheels
  • DISTAS 2017 District Assembly
  • All About Wigo 1st Anniversary
  • What is TPL or CTPL Car Insurance
  • What is Comprehensive Insurance?
  • Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) effective TODAY July 6, 2017
  • Choosing the Cheapest Car Insurance
  • Car Insurance Philippines
  • List of Traffic Violations in the Philippines
  • Do I Really Need to Buy Car Insurance?
  • Top Fuel Efficient Cars
  • Bank Financing Insurance Penalty
  • Car Registration Renewal in Philippines
  • What You Must Know About Plate Issuance
  • Self-driving cars: Changing the world, one road at a time
  • 4 Things to Do When Your Car is Towed
  • What Would Happen if you Flee from a Traffic Enforcer on Duty
  • How to Deal with Christmas Rush and Avoid Traffic
  • How to Maximize Fuel Efficiently
  • Cleaning Different Types of Steering Wheels
  • License Renewal in Philippines
  • Different Types of Fuel
  • Car Loan Applications: Tips and Tricks
  • What does kilometer post mean
  • Types of Drivers License in Philippines
  • Proper use of side mirror while driving
  • How To Determine Car Registration Expiration
  • How to Avoid Car Accidents
  • How to Change Car Oil
  • Traffic Sign or Road Sign
  • What will you do when you got into car accident
  • Chattel Mortgage for a Car Loan: What Is It and Its Benefits
  • Basic Car Maintenance to Learn
  • Knowing the difference between personal loans and car loans: Which is cheaper?
  • When To Replace Headlights
  • Commuter Carpool Saves Time and Money
  • Why refrain from making modifications to your car
  • Embrace the Art of Eco-Driving with These Steps
  • How to be a SaferDriver
  • The crash of five car dealership outlets amidst coronavirus
  • Change in bus routes under GCQ
  • Fate of PUJs under GCQ
  • Manual vs Automatic Cars: The Best For The Road
  • Diesel vs. Gasoline: What Factors Should Matter?
  • Car Blessing in the Philippines
  • Understanding the Different Types of Car Insurance
  • Stay Protected with the Right Car Insurance Policy
  • How to Get Your Car Blessed in Antipolo and Manaoag
  • Most Commonly Ignored Road Signs and Why It Shouldn’t Have Remained Ignored
  • Things you need to know before taking the LTO Exam
  • LTO Reviewer (Tagalog)
  • Why Left Lane Hogging Should Be Avoided
  • What is the meaning behind the driver’s license restriction code?
  • A Guide on How to add Restriction Codes to your Driver’s License
  • A Detailed Guide On Comprehensive Car Insurance
  • Why Do You Need Car Insurance Participation Fee
  • Guide on how to get Autosweep and Easytrip RFIDs
  • Why you should consider getting an RFID
  • Flooded Car? Here Are The Things You Should Do if Your Car Gets Caught in A Flood
  • Tips and Tricks for Washing a Flooded Car
  • Step by Step Guide to Insurance Claims for Flooded Car
  • Knowing Your Wheels: Differentiating SUV, AUV, and MPV
  • How to load your auto sweep / easy trip RFID
  • Why Car Plate Took So Long to Release?
  • When is the best time to renew car insurance?
  • Best Payment Option for You When Buying a Car
  • Safety First: The Crucial Duties of a Car Owner Through Safeguard Duty
  • Vaccination cards can now be used for local travel
  • Is Less Fuel More: Full Tank vs. Half Tank
  • Is It Bad to Turn Off Car Engine Immediately After Parking?
  • A Beginner’s Guide to LTO Online Driver's License Renewal and Registration
  • What is PMS in Car?
  • A Refresher: Number Coding Scheme in Metro Manila
  • A Detailed Guide on Where to Buy 2nd Hand Car in the Philippines
  • Declared Regular and Special Non-working Holidays for 2023
  • A Beginner’s Guide on How to Parallel Park a Car
  • How to Make Your Car Engine Rat-free
  • Traffic Update: A Detailed Guide on LTO’s Online Portal
  • An Ultimate Guide To Things To Do In Case Your Car Gets Flooded
  • What is the difference between Third Party Liability and Comprehensive Car Insurance?
  • How To Extend The Life of a Vehicle
  • The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Car Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
  • Shifting to the Single Ticketing System for Traffic Violations
  • 9 Reasons Why Car Insurance is a Must-Have for Every Driver
  • What is a Hybrid Car?
  • What are the Benefits of Using Electric Vehicles in the Philippines?
  • Acts of God: What You Need to Know About Car Insurance Coverage
  • What is Lemon Law in the Philippines? | How Do They Work
  • A Detailed Guide on the LTO Car Registration Requirements
  • Philippine Expressways Set for Seamless RFID Integration: TRB's Interoperability and Cashless Drive
  • Fuel Price Rollback: A Welcome Relief for Drivers
  • Safe Driving Tips for Holy Week Travel: Ensuring Peace of Mind with Car Insurance
  • House Bill Proposed to Increase Third-Party Liability Claim Limit for Commercial Vehicles
  • Navigating Metro Manila's Holy Week Road Works
  • Benefits of Having a Dash Cam on Your Travel
  • Fire Incident Damages 19 Vehicles at NAIA Terminal 3 Parking Lot
  • Acts of God Car Insurance Coverage: What It Is and Why You Need It
  • NLEX Toll Rates to Increase Starting June 4
  • Two southbound lanes on Mindanao Avenue will close starting June 29.
  • Common Causes of Car Accidents
  • 5 Essential Steps to Prepare for Natural Calamities
  • The Consequences of Driving Without Insurance
  • Why Filipinos Need Acts of God Coverage
  • A Complete Guide to Filing a Car Insurance Claim in the Philippines
  • Essential Car Care Tips for the Rainy Season
  • Save Big on Car Insurance in the Philippines
  • Can I Buy Car Insurance Online? Here’s How to Get Started
  • How Do I Get a Car Insurance Quote Online
  • Toll Regulatory Board Approves Updated Toll Rates for NLEX Connector