10 THINGS TO DO WHEN CARS ARE FLOODED

Do not try to start the engine, check the fluid system, filter the engine air first when the vehicle is submerged in water.

Cars that are submerged in water can destroy many parts of the vehicle, especially the engine, the electrical system and the interior. With sedans, hatchbacks or conventional urban crossovers, the water is flooded halfway through the wheel when it can harm the vehicle. In this case, the driver should perform the following 10 steps to determine the damage and fix it.

1. Do not attempt to start the engine

When the car is deeply submerged, turn on the key and try once to see if the car can start the engine or not. If this is not possible, ignore the thought of trying to start the engine a few more times because the more you try, the more serious damage the car will be, especially when water enters the engine causing hydrostatic damage. Push the cart into a dry place and call for an ambulance.

2. Determine the level of flood water

Mud and small debris will stick on the body of the vehicle to create a marking line, based on that to determine the maximum depth of water that the vehicle will be flooded. If the flood water doesn't get too close to the bottom of the door then rest assured your car is fine. Usually, insurance companies start to calculate damages caused by flooding when the water level hits the panel.

3. Call the insurance company

Most car body material insurance packages today have a flood damage clause, depending on the level of insurance that the owner buys, whether or not hydrostatic ... Call the insurance company. Immediately when the vehicle has trouble to proceed with the proof of the incident, compensate for repair or replacement as soon as possible.

4. Drying the interior

If water gets into the interior, the damage will be very fast. So, after getting the car out of the flooded area, open all the doors to let the water drain. Use all possible tools, including towels, to blot any remaining water. Then use a fan, large dryer to dry the basic interior before the rescue comes to the garage.

5. Check the engine oil and the air filter

Open the bonnet and observe, if there is a lot of standing water in the air filter, engine or oil tank, there is a risk that your vehicle has got water into the engine. For the average person who doesn't know the technique, the best way is to have the technician check and fix it.

6. Check for other liquids

In newer vehicles, the fluid system is tightly sealed, but there is a risk of leaking in older vehicles. Therefore, in addition to engine oil, check other fluids such as brake fluid, power steering oil, cool water.

7. Electrical system check

If the car can be started, check all electrical components such as headlights, turn signals, air conditioners, sound, door locks, window power controls, power trunk openers, seat adjustments, mirrors even interior lights. If anything is not working properly, it is a sign of water causing the electrical system to flicker.

8. Check the tires and wheels

Before moving, carefully check the tires, wheels, brakes for debris, mud, metal, glass or not. Mud gets into the brake disc, reducing braking efficiency and damage over long periods of time. It is best to thoroughly wash the car in this area.

9. If in doubt, replace

If your vehicle has not been maintained or repaired for a long time, when it is time to re-check it is flooded, it is best to replace the damaged parts as mentioned above. Flooded vehicles may not cause immediate consequences but may not become sick until a month or so, so "take care of nothing".

10. Beware of flooded vehicles

This last item is intended for people who intend to buy a used car. Many drivers will refurbish and make the car look new on the outside for sale but conceal the flooded history. Therefore, it's best to buy a used car knowing its history, otherwise check with a reputable facility.