If you have ever been unfortunate enough to have your car caught in a flood, you know just how devastating it can be. Not only is your car likely to be totaled, but the water can cause all sorts of damage that can be very expensive to repair. Let alone all the extra paperwork and bureaucracy that comes along with it. But it shouldn’t be that complicated if you know what to do. Car service in South Brisbane can help you with that. But right before you hit the phone, keep reading. This post will shed some light on what you should do right after your car has been flooded. By taking these steps, you can minimize the damage and hopefully save yourself some money.
Avoid Starting the Car and Try Disconnecting the Battery
The first thing you should do after your car is flooded is to avoid starting it up. The water might have reached the spark plugs and other vital components of the engine, so starting it up may cause excessive damage. Instead, try disconnecting the battery to prevent electrical short circuits from occurring. Additionally, if you can safely get inside the car, you should try to look for any visible damage and assess the severity of the situation.
Spot a High-Water Mark
To safely open the car doors, you should look for a high-water mark. This will tell you how deep the water was at its highest point and indicate the potential damage. If it’s higher than your knees or waist, then there is a good chance that water has reached vital components like the air filter or exhaust system.
Get the Water Out of Your Car
Your car isn’t going to start unless you get the water out of it. Using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or simply towels, try to suck out as much water as possible. Once you can see that there isn’t any standing water left, use regular fans to help speed up the drying process. On top of that, you can also use a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the car’s interior.
Drain the Engine and Transmission Oil
Because water and oil don’t mix, do your best to get rid of any contaminated engine and transmission oils. You can do this with a vacuum pump or simply draining them into containers. Make sure you dispose of these oils properly, as they are hazardous waste. Not only that, but you should also check the levels of coolant and steering fluids to make sure they are at the right levels.
Detach the Spark Plugs on High-Water Car Engines
If you have a high-water flooded car, make sure that you detach the spark plugs. This will allow any water that might be left in the engine to drain out, and it will help prevent further damage. It’s best to leave them disconnected until you can get your car inspected by a professional mechanic who can determine what repair work needs.
Once you have taken all of the necessary steps, it’s time to get your car inspected. A professional mechanic will inspect the vehicle and provide a full report on what repairs need to be done. They can also advise you whether or not it is worth trying to repair the car or if it is better to sell it for scrap. No matter how bad the flood is, your car shouldn’t be left untreated with water damage.