What To Do With A Flooded Car: 7 Steps You Can Take

No matter if your car has suffered from flooding due to continuous torrential rains or a leak caused by issues with one of your seals in the door or an unclosed door, the damage caused by water could result in extreme degradation of the car.

If floodwaters have damaged your vehicle and you need help handling it, This article from Wangara Car Wreckers is for you.

There's nothing worse than imagining your car in the garage, safe from danger, and then discovering that the floorboards have been flooded and there's water on the console. Here are some tips you can do if this nightmare occurs to you.

1. Examine the Spare Tire

The first thing to do is examine whether you have a spare tire. If you do not have a spare tire, this is an ideal time to purchase one! The spare tire is found inside the trunk area of your vehicle. When you locate it, look at the tire's condition. If it appears worn or damaged, you'll want to replace it before attempting to utilize it.

If your spare tire is in excellent working order, place it on your vehicle. When you have the spare tire, you'll be able to start planning how you can remove your car from the water.

If you cannot pull your vehicle out of the water, it may be necessary to call a tow vehicle. Depending on the water level in the area, you might require having your car towed by a mechanic nearby to make repairs.

2. Evaluate the Situation

You first need to analyze the situation in the aftermath of a storm or severe rain. Are the waters still rising? What is the depth of the water? Is the car submerged? If water continues to rise and the vehicle is submerged, and the car is submerged, you should contact a tow truck and take the vehicle to a secure location.

However, when the waters have receded, the vehicle is still submerged for a while. The water may have gotten inside the engine. In this situation, getting the car towed to a mechanic who will inspect it is recommended at the problem. The vehicle may have been cleaned if the vehicle was barely submerged in water for only a few minutes. Wash the car with soap and water, and dry it off with the help of a towel.

3. Break Into Your Car if Necessary

If your vehicle is submerged, you must be quick and take the necessary steps to ensure its safety. If the rising water is a problem, you might require breaking into your vehicle to escape. What you should do:

1. Find the safest method to get into your car. If the water rises, you may have to cut a window to escape. Be careful not to damage the windshield as much as you can.

2. Once inside the vehicle Once inside, shut all the doors and windows to prevent the water from getting in.

3. Transfer valuable items or other essentials to a safer location within the vehicle. This can help to keep them safe from harm.

4. Start the engine and switch off the lights. This can draw the attention of others so that you can be saved.

5. Get out of your car as quickly as possible and walk to the higher ground. Don't drive through the flood waters!

4. Eliminate all Food & Essential Items from the Vehicle's Trunk

If your vehicle has been damaged by flooding, you must take care of a few things immediately. The first step is to remove any food items and other valuables from the back of the vehicle. This will prevent mold and mildew from developing.

Then, open all windows and doors for the car to let air out. Set up a fan in the rear and front of the vehicle to circulate air. When the car is dry and clean, you can begin to scrub it. Begin by vacuuming the couches and carpets. If mildew or mold is evident, you'll require an anti-microbial disinfecting of these areas.

Then, clean your car's exterior surfaces using water and soap. When the vehicle is dry, it is possible to apply a coating of wax to shield it from flooding in the future.

5. How do you Flush a Swollen Car

If you are stuck driving around with a car that has become wet, there are some ways to salvage the vehicle:

You'll need to unlock the windows and doors to let the water begin draining out.
You'll need to remove any mats on the floor or other obstructions to drains.
It is recommended to start the engine and allow it to run for a bit to let inside.

If your vehicle has been soaked for an extended period, the engine may have been damaged. If this is the case, it is recommended to bring it to a mechanic and examine the issue.

It's essential to remember that even if your vehicle appears clean from its exterior, it may be hidden damages that an expert only discovers. If you need to check if your car is safe to drive, it's wise to be cautious and bring it to a professional to check it.

6. Why Your Car Flooded

The force of storms and rain can often cause flash flooding, quickly submerging your car. If this occurs to you, knowing what you should do in the next step is essential. The first thing to remember is to wait to start your vehicle. This can damage the electrical system as well as the engine.

After that, contact a tow truck or an insurance provider. You'll need a tow vehicle to remove your vehicle in the event of deep water. The insurer may assist with repair and tow truck costs if your car is covered through insurance coverage.

After your car has been cleared from the flood, please bring it to an auto mechanic as quickly as possible. In the case of flood-damaged vehicles, they typically have damaged engines and other components that need to be replaced or repaired.

If you follow these steps, your vehicle will be flooded, and you can get to the roads quickly.

7. What You Should Do After You Stop The Leak

After stopping the leak, it's time to begin thinking about what you should do next. The first thing to do is contact your insurance company to inform them of the circumstances. They'll likely have a team who can assist you in assessing the extent of the damage and initiate the claim process.

After that, you must capture some photos of the damaged area. This can be useful for any insurance application. Take pictures of the exterior and interior of your car.

After you've taken care of your paperwork with your insurance provider, You should begin planning to get your vehicle repaired. Taking your car to an expert repair shop may be necessary for severe damage. If the damage isn't too severe, you could fix it yourself.

Whichever method you choose, ensure you get your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. Being in the car with a leaky vehicle isn't just dangerous and could further harm your car.