how to repair a flood damaged car

by Prof. Mauricio Lueilwitz MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Take the key out of the ignition and do not start it! ...
Open your doors up and begin drying your car out right away (provided, of course, it’s not raining outside)
Call a tow truck company to come out and tow your flooded car to your mechanic (they may tell you that you need to drain some of the fluids from ...
Ask your mechanic to take a good, long look at your car to see how much damage was done to it

Full Answer

What to do if your car has flood damage?

Repairing a Flooded Car, Once Outside of Water

Do Not Start the Car. This is key. ...
Disconnect the Battery. ...
Roll Down The Windows. ...
Look For a High-Water Mark. ...
If the water level is high, don’t try to start the car. ...
Check Engine Oil. ...
Change the oil and oil filter. ...
Check fuel system. ...
Check Air Filter. ...
Check Other Fluids. ...

What to do if your car is flooded?

“The first thing you need to do is stay with your car,” he said. “The best way to stay alive is to stay in the car if you can to keep from getting swept away. Roll down the window if at all possible so rescuers can get to you. With electric windows the sooner the better as far as opening them because they can get shorted out.

How to tell if a car has been in a flood?

How to Tell if a Car Has Been in a Flood?

Listen for Strange Noises When Driving. ...
Inspect the Engine for Mud or Water Contamination. ...
Check the Car’s Electronics. ...
Turn on the Car and Check the Dashboard for Any Warning Lights That Indicate Water Damage. ...
Look for Water Damage Inside the Car. ...
Look for Mud or Sand on the Car. ...
Look for Rusting on the Body of the Car or Evidence of Recent Painting. ...

How to escape a flooded car?

Try to open a door if the car is submerged.

It takes 60 to 120 seconds (1 to 2 minutes) for a car to fill up with water. ...
Continue to breathe normally until the water is at chest level, then take a deep breath and hold your nose.
Stay calm. Keep your mouth closed to preserve your breath and to prevent water from entering.
If exiting via an open door, place your hand on the door latch. ...

How do you fix a flooded water damaged car?

This is basically what you should do with the engine.Check the oil dipstick to see if there is any water contamination.Loosen oil drain plug and release any water.Remove the spark plugs.Change the oil and filter.Crank the engine with the plugs out – be sure that all water sprays out of the engine.More items...•

Can you fix a car that has been flooded?

Your repair options depend on the extent of the flooding, water type, depth and duration of submersion. Fresh water isn't as corrosive as salt water, so you might be able to repair a car caught in a river flood. If you drove into a flooded road and the engine died, you might be able to repair the damages.

What happens to a flood damaged car?

Water can ruin electronics, lubricants, and mechanical systems. It may take months or years, but corrosion can find its way to the car's vital electronics, including airbag controllers. Consumers need to carefully inspect any used car before buying one (or pay a mechanic to do it).

Are flood vehicles worth buying?

So, are flood-damaged cars worth buying? Probably not unless you are getting a really good deal. Therefore, any car that's been submerged in water should be sold way below its market value unless the dealership has proof of extensive restoration.

Is a car ruined if it goes underwater?

Not only is the engine likely damaged, but there are also hundreds of electrical components in modern cars. Most vehicles have computer modules. After being submerged in water, long-term, they will begin to fail and cause a multitude of hard-to-diagnose problems down the road.

Will my car be OK after driving through water?

Answer provided by. Unless you're landing on Omaha Beach (and if you are, you're several generations late), driving your car through water is never recommended. It can result in engine damage, component failure, and problems with your vehicle's electronics, not to mention causing corrosion and leaving an awful stench.

How do you know if water got in your engine?

Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water.

How long does it take for a car engine to dry out?

Perhaps the best remedy for a flooded engine is time. Simply open the hood of your car and let excessive fuel evaporate for as long as you can. After about 20 minutes try starting your car again without hitting the gas pedal.

Why you should never buy a flooded car?

While floods can damage many types of property, they are particularly harmful to automobiles. Water can wreak havoc on a car or truck, particularly its electrical system. It can also damage the engine, transmission, and cooling system. Moisture that collects in carpet, upholstery or interior liners can generate mold.

What to look for when buying a car that was in a flood?

Beware of buying flood-damaged vehiclesLook for signs of water damage. Stains, mildew, rust, and discoloration are signs of water damage. ... Check the title. ... Check the VIN. ... Have a mechanic look it over. ... Check used boats and RVs.

How do you tell if a car is a flood car?

How to Spot a Flood-Damaged CarUnusual odors inside the car. Musty or moldy odors inside the car are a sign of mildew buildup from prolonged exposure to water. ... Discolored carpeting. ... Exterior signs of water buildup. ... Rust and flaking on the undercarriage. ... Dirt buildup in unusual areas.

How long does it take for a car engine to dry out?

Are flood salvage cars good?

Any car that's been subjected to water should be sold well below market value, and unless the dealership can prove extensive restoration, you should be offered a dream deal. After all, when buying a flood-damaged car, you're assuming a substantial financial risk that major repairs could be necessary.

How do you know if water got in your engine?

How can you tell if a car has been in a flood?

How to repair a flood-damaged car?

Let's be clear about this. You should not do flood damage repairs, and a professional mechanic must complete it.

What to do if my flood-damaged car is beyond repairs?

Whether your flood-damaged vehicle is beyond repairs or repair costs will be more than 75% of your vehicle's value, you must not attempt to save it.

What does it mean when a vehicle is completely submerged in water?

To be more precise, we can refer to The Insurance Information Institute definition of a flood-damaged vehicle, which says: “flood vehicle has been completely or partially submerged in water to the extent that its body, engine, transmission or other mechanical parts have been damaged .”

What happens if water gets in your engine?

Your engine is the major component of your vehicle, and if water gets got to the engine, it's most likely that the engine got damaged. Unfortunately, by just looking at the engine, you can't tell whether the flood got to the engine for sure unless you have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle and tell you.

What happens if you flood your fuel tank?

Keep in mind that if flood water got into the fuel tank, you must drain it out before attempting to crank the engine; otherwise, you might be causing a lot of trouble to the engine because this water will be pumped to the cylinders.

What does a car removal specialist do?

When our local car removal specialist comes to you, he will perform a quick inspection to ensure that the vehicle matches the information we have in our system.

What to do if you don't have a title for your car?

Remember, if you don't have a title for your car, we will ask you to show some paperwork to prove ownership, like your photo ID and valid car registration.

How many Napa locations are there?

Check out all the tools & equipment available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on flood damage, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

How does salt water affect cars?

When cars get hit by a storm surge or river flooding, they may sit for days or weeks while water saturates everything. This can severely compromise your vehicle’s interior, electronics and powertrain. Salt water flooding, even light flooding, does the worst damage to cars. In fact, some experts consider a salt water flooded modern car to be unfixable at any level. Unless you are prepared to completely rebuild the car, you should write off repairing a salt-water or long-term flooded car.

How old was Ben when he started taking things apart?

Ben has been taking things apart since he was 5 , and putting them back together again since he was 8. After dabbling in DIY repairs at home and on the farm, he found his calling in the CGCC Automobile Repair program. After he held his ASE CMAT for 10 years, Ben decided he needed a change. Now, he writes on automotive topics across the web and around the world, including new automotive technology, transportation legislation, emissions, fuel economy and auto repair.

How to dry out a car?

Dry out the car by removing the seats, carpets and insulation completely . Park the car outside on a sunny day, doors and windows open, and lay everything out in the sun — don’t forget the trunk. Disconnect all electrical connectors and dry them out with a hair dryer or heat gun.

Why drain fuel tank?

Depending on the level of flooding, you may need to drain the fuel tank to eliminate water contamination.

Why does water get into my engine?

A hydro-locked engine, if it even starts, will quickly destroy itself. If the oil level is abnormally high, water probably got into the crankcase because oil floats on water, making it useless as a lubricant. Remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over by hand to force water out of the cylinders.

Can you write off a flood damaged car?

Ask anyone about “car flood damage repair,” and most will say it’s impossible. Even car insurance companies, known to avoid spending money, tend to simply write off a flood-damaged car. Since cars are complex machines and flood water is harmful to all modern cars’ systems, the answer is usually not a simple one. Hydro-locked engines, short-circuiting electronics and water-logged transmissions are just a few potential results of water damage, not to mention mold, mildew and rust. Flood damage repair can fall into two categories, which can best be expressed as “economical” and “uneconomical.”

How Does a Car Get Flood-Damaged?

While you’re likely to escape the storm, your car might not be so lucky. Your car can also get flood-damaged due to driving through a flooded street, which is one of the most common causes. Hence, you should try as much as possible to avoid driving through flooded areas for your safety and that of your car. This is because you won’t be able to control how fast water seeps into your car. If your car windows or rooftop is left open during a heavy downpour, there would be a lot of damage to your car. Even if invisible, water can get into the small spaces of your car and remain there, causing mildew and mold formations. If your car is poorly or improperly sealed, it’s likely to suffer from flood damage after a hard rain. If your car gets into an accident that involves water, it could also end up flooded. This could involve you losing control of your car and driving straight into a lake. Indeed, this can be a devastating situation and most times, your car might not be worth saving after it has taken a dip. Water getting into your car’s engine through the air intake would result in internal damage to the engine – this is called “hydro-lock”. Hydro-lock is likely to occur when you’re trying to drive through high water or when you make an attempt to move your car after noticing water rising around it.

What is a flood damaged car?

A flood-damaged car is simply a car exposed to water damage which, in most cases, are a result of floods.

What happens if a car is flooded by salt water?

If it was flooded by salt-water, it would rust and corrode much more than if it was flooded by freshwater. If it’s just for short term use or you probably want to rebuild with new parts, a flood-damaged car is a reasonable choice.

Why should you not drive through flooded areas?

This is because you won’t be able to control how fast water seeps into your car. If your car windows or rooftop is left open during a heavy downpour, there would be a lot of damage to your car.

What is it called when water gets into your car?

Water getting into your car’s engine through the air intake would result in internal damage to the engine – this is called “hydro-lock”. Hydro-lock is likely to occur when you’re trying to drive through high water or when you make an attempt to move your car after noticing water rising around it.

Can a car be repaired if it is completely submerged?

There’s almost nothing that can’t be repaired. However, the real issue is if it’s going to be worth it or not. Repairing your car, especially if it was completely submerged isn’t going to be easy on your pocket. You’d be looking at some serious expense, which could be anything around $12,000 or even more! Although, it wouldn’t cost that much assuming it experienced a lesser degree of flooding. Unless you’ve full coverage, your insurance company will not cover your flooded car repair costs. Even if you do have full coverage, you can’t rest assured. Because if your flooded car repair cost exceeds your car’s value, your insurance company will declare it as “ totaled ” and have it sent to the junkyard unless you decide to keep it of course. If the repair costs for your flood-damaged car are minimal or your car is new, then trying to repair it might not be a bad idea. However, when you decide to repair your flood-damaged car, you should keep this in mind — it will never be the same car before the damage. Why? Water is tricky and so, you can have problems coming up not too long after you got your car fixed.

Can you sell a car that has been submerged in water?

Probably not unless you are getting a really good deal. Therefore, any car that’s been submerged in water should be sold way below its market value unless the dealership has proof of extensive restoration. Make sure you’re not being made to pay more than you’re willing to for the car if the worst scenario comes up.

What to do when your car is flooded?

When your car is flooded, the first thing you should do is to make sure you get as much moisture out of the car as possible. If you don’t dry out your vehicle, mold will grow, and it will always have a musty odor. If your car is still in a flooded area, get it to higher grounds using a towing service, then dry it out.

How much does it cost to fix a flooded engine?

A flooded engine might cost you anywhere between $3000 and $8000 to fix. The process of repairing that engine is complicated, too, and you might have to stay without your car for quite a while.

What happens if you get flooded in your car?

The issue with a flooded car is what comes with the water rather than the water itself. Mud and silt are a bit difficult to get out of your vehicle, and these always result in significant issues. When you miss spots where mud or silt has settled, it will be hard to control the damage that comes with it, like mold and mildew.

What happens if your car is submerged in water?

On the other hand, if your car has submerged in water past the floorboards into the electrical areas, your insurance company will most probably declare it a total loss. Don’t get me wrong; there is still a possibility to dry it out and change the fluids in the car. But your car will still have electrical problems, musty odors, and silt in the seats. All this can be repairable or not, depending on your car model and how old it is. Older cars won’t survive such a hit.

Why is my car not starting after water damage?

Water getting into your car’s oil could result in many engine problems. The presence of water droplets on the dipstick means you could have a potential problem. This is why you never start your car after it’s water damaged. You can change the oil in your vehicle or call a mechanic to do it for you. The tank will have to be emptied to get all the water out.

How to get rid of mildew in car?

If it’s a bright sunny day, you’ll be lucky. Open up all your car doors after drying and cleaning up the car. A good flow of air in your vehicle will help get rid of the foul odors, dry out the car, and prevent mold and mildew. If the weather isn’t that good, you can use fans to dry out the car’s interiors.

How to dry seats and cushions?

To dry your seats and cushions, you could use a dry towel.

What Can You Do With a Flood-Damaged Car If You Don’t Repair It?

If you decide that you’re not going to take on the flooded car repair cost and fix your car , there are a few things that you can do with it. You can try to sell it to a private buyer, provided you disclose that it sustained water damage. You can also try to trade it in when purchasing a new car, though a dealership might be apprehensive about accepting it from you.

What to do if your car is flooded?

Here are the steps you should take once you realize that you have a flood-damaged car on your hands: Take the key out of the ignition and do not start it! If you try to start up a car that has water in its engine, you could ruin the engine and leave yourself with a huge flooded car repair cost.

What Issues Will a Flood-Damaged Car Have?

Part of the reason why people worry about the flooded car repair cost is because there is so much that can go wrong when water gets inside a car.

What Is a Flooded Car?

In a few minutes, we’re going to talk at length about the flooded car repair cost and whether or not it’s going to prove to be worth it to you. But before we do that, we want to make sure that you know what we’re talking about when we’re discussing flooded cars.

What Are Some of the Things That Can Cause a Flooded Car?

There are actually quite a few things that could lead to your car sustaining water damage, either on the interior of your car or under the hood of your car.

How Much Does Flooded Car Repair Cost?

This cost could range based on what issues your flood-damaged car has. There are some flooded car repair costs that will be more than manageable and others you won’t even want to consider.

How much does it cost to remove water stains from car upholstery?

You might be able to remove water stains from your upholstery on your own for just $20. You might also be able to reupholster your car’s seats for just a few hundred dollars and be on your way. But let’s say that you didn’t get so lucky during a flood and you now have a hydrolocked engine in your flood-damaged car.

What happens if a car is flooded by saltwater?

If you have a car that has been flooded by saltwater, odds are you will have to replace quite a bit of wiring and electrical components. Plus, you’ll have to flush everything out with freshwater to clean out the salt before even fixing any damage.

How long does it take for a car to pop up after water damage?

Water is sneaky. Problems may continue to pop up weeks or months after you though the car was fixed.

What to do if your car smells like water?

A good upholstery shampooing, leather conditioning and wood polish can help bring a water-damaged interior back to life. But, that pungent fishy smell may be there for good, even after you clean your AC ducts. If you have the misfortune of flooding your car while it’s running, you’re in for a big repair bill.

Is salt water better for cars than freshwater?

That being said, water-damaged cars can fall into two high-level categories: saltwater and freshwater. Cars with freshwater flood damage are generally better off than saltwater-f looded cars. That’s because, in addition to any problems the water may have caused, salt is incredibly damaging. Salt is very corrosive, especially to the inside of an engine and electronics.

Can you clean a car if it's flooded?

If your car is flooded, with either saltwater or freshwater, while it’s not running, you may just be able to just have it cleaned, as long as it didn’t sit in water for long. The longer a car is flooded the worse the damage, especially for the wiring and electronics. If your car is water damaged, and you elect to repair it, keep this in mind, ...

Is it better to sell a flood damaged car?

If your car has enough value, maybe repair is an option. Did You Know? Flood-damaged car problems are numerous, and when a car goes under water, it's often very hard to figure out what is wrong with the flood-damaged car. When the repair costs for your vehicle are too high for your car's value, selling the car is probably best.

Is hydrolocking bad for an engine?

Water doesn’t. As the cylinders fill with water and the pistons come up, the water has nowhere to go. The piston rods will bend, and you’ll end up with a blown engine. This is called hydrolocking. It’s bad. Most of the time, to fix a hydrolocked engine, they’ll just replace the whole motor.

Is Your Flood-Damaged Car Worth Repairing?

Even those who do have comprehensive coverage shouldn’t rest so easy. If the cost of repairs exceeds the current value of your car, your insurance company will total your flood-damaged car.

What kind of water damage is bad for a car?

What kind of water damaged your car? While any water damage isn’t good, a car that has been damaged by freshwater has a better chance at being repaired than a car damaged by saltwater. Since salt is very corrosive it can wreak havoc on your car’s interior and mechanical parts. The engine and electrical components are particularly vulnerable.

What happens when a car is damaged?

When a car is cosmetically damaged, it’s typically on the interior. The cloth, wood, leather, and other materials are often drenched in water. This is not necessarily an easy fix but is a lot more repairable than mechanical damage. You’ll have to let the car dry out and get a deep shampoo and condition done to the car.

Why does my car blow when the intake ends up below water?

The car’s engine sucks in air to operate . So, when the intake ends up below water, the engine begins sucking in water instead of air. The piston rods will begin to bend and your engine will blow. This may result in the need to replace your entire engine.

Is it easier to repair a car mechanically or cosmetically?

Was the damage to your car mechanical or cosmetic? This has an impact on whether it can be repaired. Cosmetic damage is obviously a lot easier to repair than mechanical damage. When a car is cosmetically damaged, it’s typically on the interior. The cloth, wood, leather, and other materials are often drenched in water. This is not necessarily an easy fix but is a lot more repairable than mechanical damage. You’ll have to let the car dry out and get a deep shampoo and condition done to the car. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any signs of mold or rust due to flood damage.

Can a flood damage car be repaired?

It is true that flood-damaged cars in some cases can be repaired (some times at a high cost). However, flood damage can still have serious impact years later. Damp spots can start to produce mold while other parts of the car can begin to rust with time. Not to mention, you may have a permanent mildew smell in your car.

Can a car be damaged by salt water?

When a car is damaged by freshwater, in many instances it just needs to be dried out really well. After that, things are typically fine. However, saltwater damage will require the car to be flushed out by freshwater. It then must be dried out to assess the damage, which in many cases is severe and expensive.

How to tell if your engine is fine after a flood?

If you didn't see the vehicle until after the water receded, look for a dirty water line to see how high it crested. If the flood waters reached the bottom of the doors, then odds are your engine is fine. Water may have reached as high as the oil pan, so let the underside dry for a few hours at least, and then try an engine start.

What to do if flood waters hit your differential?

If flood waters reached your axle differential it would be wise to change that fluid as well. Most axle differentials have a vent and if they become submerged water will mix with the gear oil. Drain the fluid by either removing the differential cover or drain bolt, or use a fluid pump. Fill the differential with the correct gear oil and any additives required for your vehicle.

What happens when an internal combustion engine is submerged in salt water?

By Andy Jensen. Let's talk about that other flooded engine. We all know engines breathe air, so when an internal combustion engine made of ferrous materials is submerged in (salt)water, things can get expensive quickly.

What happens when a flood crests the hood?

If you have a classic, the carb probably allowed a lot of water to enter, so now you have water in everything from the intake manifold to the oil pan.

How to check for water in a gas tank?

Water can find its way into a classic pretty easily, so it's best to check for water by disconnecting a fuel line and draining to a pan. If you find any water, drain the tank, lines, and change the fuel filter. A bottle of gas treatment probably wouldn't hurt either.

How much water does it take to hydrolock an engine?

More than likely, the air intake sucked up a good portion of it. It takes less than a cup of water to hydrolock an engine.

What does it mean when you have a water line on your wheel rim?

With a water line to the top of the wheel rim, you are looking at more work . Some electronics were likely submerged, and the water may have accessed the inside of the engine or other critical systems.

What are the symptoms of a flood damaged car?

A flood damaged car will often show many signs of water damage , including:

What happens if a car is damaged by a flood?

A flood damaged car comes with a variety of problems, including foul odors, rust, odd noises, engine smoke, and electronic damage. If you are shopping for a used car, a vehicle history report will show any reported flood damage. Flooded cars may also be declared a total loss due to the extent of the damage and the costly nature of the repairs. If a flood damaged car has been declared a total loss and issued a salvage title, it may be challenging or more costly to insure in the future.

How can I check a car for a history of flood damage?

You can use the National Insurance Crime Bureau VINCheck for free, or purchase a report. These reports should indicate if a car has been reported as flood damaged. If the previous owner didn't report the damage or file an insurance claim, however, the flood damage may not show up on a vehicle history report.

Why does my car smell like it's flooded?

Unusual odors: The interior of a flooded car will often smell musty or moldy due to prolonged exposure to water. The owner may not be able to completely clean every area of the vehicle that has been flooded (behind door panels, for example), leaving a musty smell. Be suspicious of cars that smell strongly of cleaning solutions or air fresheners as the seller may be trying to mask a mildew smell. Always run the air conditioner system to see if it produces a moldy smell.

What happens when a vehicle is declared a total loss?

Once the vehicle is declared a total loss, the owner is paid the vehicle's value at the time of the loss, minus any deductible. The vehicle is then issued a salvage title to warn potential buyers that it's been declared a total loss. Insurers often sell salvage title vehicles to salvage yards or rebuilders.

How to tell if a car is flooded?

Check for rusty screws in the console area and around doors, under the dashboard, and even inside the hood.

Why is a flood car considered a total loss?

Flooded cars are often declared a total loss because repairing water damage is complicated and costly. A total loss means the insurance company has determined that the damage cannot be repaired safely, or the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the value of the car.