Dry Me a River: Can You Repair a Flooded Car?

From flash floods to high tides, there are lots of ways to end up with a flooded car, and they all spell bad news. Find out when (and if) you should repair a flooded vehicle from your source for used auto parts in Atlanta – U Wrench It. 

When to give up on your flooded car

For most modern cars, even brief flooding can cause major issues that your car might not be able to come back from. After all, there’s a reason insurance companies usually write flooded cars off as unsalvageable. 

If your car was submerged in salt water or sat in any type of water for days at a time, it’s almost certainly a lost cause. Not only will the interior be ruined, but the electronic and computerized systems, as well as the powertrain, are likely shot. 

When to repair your flooded car

Whether or not your flooded car can be repaired depends on many factors, from the type of water and the extent of flooding to the length of exposure and local weather conditions. If your car was briefly flooded by fresh water and then dried out quickly, if you accidentally drove into a flooded street, or even if you left your windows down and the interior was soaked in a torrential storm, your flooded car might be salvageable. 

How to fix a flooded car

• First and foremost, DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE ON. A flooded engine can become “hydrolocked,” meaning that water has entered the combustion chambers of the engine. If you attempt to turn the car on while watered-down oil is in the engine, it will not be properly lubricated and can self-destruct before you know it. 
• Next, dry it out! In addition to opening the doors, windows, and trunk, you should also pop the hood, disconnect any electrical connections, and dry them before they can rust or corrode. 
• Empty and replace fluids if there’s any chance water was introduced during the flooding. Brake pads, rotors, and other parts may be particularly vulnerable to rust. If there is damage to these or other components, you should replace them with quality used auto parts. 

Whether you decide to repair your flooded car or sell it for parts, U Wrench It is here to help. Give us a call, stop by, or check out our website to learn more.