15 Oct Flooded Vehicle? Wondering If The Water Damage is Fixable?
For most of us living in Florida, dealing with tropical storms is fairly commonplace. However, we had back-to-back hurricanes this season, and many people are dealing with tremendous losses. As a community, we must come together to help those in need. As an auto shop in Jacksonville, FL, JJ’s Auto Care’s ASE-certified technicians can assess the water damage to your flooded vehicle and help identify necessary car repairs.
What Qualifies As A Flooded Vehicle?
First things first, do not start a flood-damaged automobile until a qualified technician performs an extensive inspection. What is a flooded vehicle? Any time water levels submerge your tires, enter your vehicle’s front grill, or drench the interior through a broken window or sunroof, it may qualify as ‘flooded.’
Floodwater is a corrosive and abrasive mixture that finds its way into every inch of your vehicle. It can contain:
- Silt
- Dirt
- Heavy Metals (lead)
- Plant Matter
- Sewage (human and animal)
- Chemical Contaminants (industrial oils, fuels, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.)
- Sea water (containing salts)
- Bacteria (cholera, salmonella, norovirus, cellulitis, vibrio vulnificus (flesh-eating infection)
These contaminants can result in corrosion, rust, seized components, compromised auto fluids, mold growth, toxic residue, and health issues.
Safety First
Remember, never drive through flood waters. Hidden debris, road damage, and lurking wildlife can cause vehicle damage and personal injury.
Contact Your Insurance
Insurance companies have specific guidelines on what qualifies as a flooded vehicle. Suppose your automobile was in standing water deeper than the bottom of the door jam; chances are good that it qualifies as ‘flooded.’ Call your insurance agent and explain your situation. If you have comprehensive coverage, much of the damages may be covered by your insurance. Provide photographs detailing the water levels, watermarks (the line where the water was before receding), and any obvious damages like broken windows, dents, and tire/wheel issues. Depending on your situation, they may send an agent to document your vehicle’s damages in person. They may also send you to an auto service center for a detailed inspection.
Once you establish the degree of your vehicle’s water damage, your insurance provider will weigh the costs of repairing the vehicle against replacing it. If your insurance company deems your car ‘totaled’ (considered a total loss), discuss how to move forward with your agent.
Recommended Flooded Vehicle Inspections
Insurance companies may deem flooded vehicles ‘totaled’ when the cost of car repairs exceeds the vehicle’s worth. Your agent can help guide you through the steps of determining the extent of your vehicle’s damage. In most cases, a detailed vehicle inspection by a skilled technician can identify which components were damaged and how to remedy the problems best. Inspections should include all the moving and static parts, both under the hood and inside the cabin.
Mechanical Components
A detailed inspection of the mechanical components is required to determine if it is safe to start your car. Your service technician will inspect all the major parts, looking for signs of water damage, residual debris (like mud or silt), and corrosion.
- Engine
- Transmission
- Drive Train
- Fuel System
- Braking System
- Suspension
- Steering
- Airbags
- Check Fluids For Water Contamination (oil, coolant, fuel, brake, transmission, etc.)
- Check Filters For Water Damage (air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, cabin filters)
Inspections may include removing several parts to see behind, beneath, and inside hidden engine areas. This process may take some time and can be costly. Just remember, driving a vehicle with flood damage is unsafe, so finding out the full extent of the necessary car repairs is in your best interest.
Electrical Components
Almost every part of modern vehicles has wiring, electronic sensors, and other electrical components. Never test any of your vehicle’s electronic systems until everything has dried out. Your service technician may find hidden pockets of floodwater in any of the numerous cavities within your vehicle’s chassis. This part of the inspection should include:
- Battery & Cables
- Electrical System
- Wiring Harness
- Heating & Air Conditioning System (HVAC)
- Power Windows, Door Locks, Seat Controls
- Entertainment & GPS Systems
- Fuses & Circuits
Interior Elements
Once water levels go above a vehicle’s door opening and enter the cabin, extensive work is required to treat the many issues the floodwater creates. For example, disassembling or removing the door panels, dashboard, seats, center console, etc., may be required to dry the components to prevent rusting, electrical shorts, and mold growth.
Try removing as much water from the interior as fast as possible once you discover the extent of the water damage. Use a wet/dry vacuum and absorbent towels to soak up the water. Then, open the doors and windows to allow fresh air into the cabin. Fans, sunshine, and dehumidifiers can help speed up the drying-out process. If the water level reached the dashboard, a professional should dismantle it to ascertain damages. Interior elements that are subject to water damage include:
- Door Panels
- Floor Mats
- Seats/Upholstery
- Carpeting
- Dashboard
- Trunk Interior
Removing the water may not be enough to slow or halt water damage inside your vehicle’s cabin. Since floodwater often contains chemicals, salts, sewage, and dangerous bacteria, a strong disinfectant may be required to clean and sanitize the interior elements. Often, a professional car detailer or auto repair shop can help you choose the best option for your situation.
ASE-Certified Car Repairs in Jacksonville, FL
As daunting as dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes and coastal flooding can be, please know that help is available. JJ’s Auto Care has provided quality car repairs and service in Jacksonville, Florida, since 1991. We will inspect your flooded vehicle and help determine if the water damage is fixable. Then, you can choose the plan that best fits your budget and needs.
Schedule Your Flooded Vehicle Service
Call us at (904) 721-6646 or visit us online to schedule your flooded vehicle diagnostic service today!
