There are a lot of things that are outside the control of man, one of which is the weather. Depending on where you live, a few days of rain can either be a bummer or something that will keep you up at night. This is because flooding in some areas is no joke. In some places, like in the Southeast US, flooding is a big problem for car owners. But what should you do if you have flood damage in your car? What are the things you should do first? Let’s talk all about that in this article.

How does being submerged damage your car?

This question is self-explanatory, but to better handle flood damage in your car, you have to understand what damage it does first.

First off, your car’s engine is not built to be introduced to water. Aside from possibly damaging electrical components, your vehicle will not run right when water enters the cylinders and pistons. If you try to turn on the engine when moisture is present in areas it shouldn’t be, it can total your car. Then there’s also the musty odor and silt that gets left behind,

The truth is, some vehicles that have been submerged in a flood can still run. But the number of repairs and replacements it might need often make them lost causes. You need an expert to assess the flood damage in your car thoroughly.

So, what should you do if your car got partially or fully submerged?

What to do when your car gets flooded

Check the overall damage

While an expert mechanic should do this, you can do a preliminary check of the damage done by the flood to your car. While doing so, don’t forget to take pictures of your vehicle for your insurance.

Refrain from trying to see if your car still works. Leave that one for the experts. At this point, you need to determine which areas of your vehicle were flooded. A partially flooded car has a higher chance of working while a fully submerged one is good as gone.

Dry it up

The first actual thing you can do for your car at this point is to help remove as much moisture as possible. This is to prevent further damage and inhibit the growth of mold. You can either push your car to get it into a good area or have it towed. The goal is to transfer it to a place where you can ventilate it properly.

You can use a dry/wet vacuum to suck up any remaining water within the car. Use dry towels to dry the cushions or seats. You can also opt to put the chairs under the sun if you know how to remove them.

Process your claim

Depending on the type of insurance you have, you can start processing your claim if the car is totaled. Regular insurance usually does not cover flood damage, so you should check the fine print first.

Call your agent and tell them about the current condition of your car. You can send the pictures you took when you did your inspection as well. Ask them what you should do next to start processing your claim.

Get an expert to see if your car can be salvaged

After calling your agent and knowing your options, you can focus on drying your car, or you can go and call an expert to help you inspect it further.

One of the things they would check will be the oil and the vehicle’s electrical components. If your mechanic has experience with flooded cars, they can outright tell you if the vehicle is too far gone or if it is still repairable.

Depend On T3 Atlanta For Support

Flood damage in your car is not a laughing matter. That is why the team of T3 Atlanta is ready to offer expert advice and support for people who have had their cars flooded. Our team of expert mechanics specializes in diagnosing and repairing Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan cars. Call T3 Atlanta today and let us help you assess your situation further.