Heavy rain, flooding and standing water may mean difficult and expensive automotive repairs for owners of flood-damaged vehicles, according to AAA Oklahoma. It is also important to know if the used car you are thinking of buying has been damaged by water.
"In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that forces its way into every seam and crevice of an automobile," said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. If the car has been completely or partially submerged, it may be necessary to disassemble all mechanical parts for thorough cleaning and lubrication.
"Most vulnerable are the engine, transmission, steering and braking system," said Mai. "Unless completely removed, dirt and other contaminants can cause premature wear of vital components and shorten the life of the vehicle."
Before attempting to start a flood-damaged car, a qualified technician should:
- Inspect all mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, steering system, axles, brake system and fuel system for water contamination.
- Drain flood water from contaminated mechanical systems and flush with clean water or a solvent, as appropriate.
- Drain and replace all contaminated fluids, such as oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and anti-freeze.
"The car's electrical system also is vulnerable to the damaging effects of flood water and water-sensitive components may need to be replaced," Mai said. "Engine computers and other electronic devices can sometimes be salvaged, but corrosion and oxidation can occur several weeks after the components are cleaned."