Flooding has been a recent issue for a lot of areas in the Southeast USA. Places that never got an inch above the heel of puddles suddenly have to deal with rising floodwaters when heavy rains happen in succession. As such, a lot of people don’t know how to deal with it. This includes car owners. As a result, flood damage is starting to be one of the biggest reasons for car repairs. But how can you protect your car from flood damage? If it’s a force of nature that we can’t control, is there any way for you to mitigate the damage?

How to protect your car from flood damage

Fortunately for us, there are ways to prevent our cars from suffering from flood damage.

But first thing’s first, we need to understand that different flood depths produce different types of damage to our cars. Several inches of floodwater is usually not a problem. Once the level reaches your car floorboard, though, that’s when you need to start worrying.

Getting your car partially submerged (around 20-40%) is a cause for concern. When your vehicle gets fully submerged, it’s best to start the grieving process.

So, let’s start with our list of tips on how you can protect your car from flood damage.

Be wary of flood-prone areas

If you have been driving around the exact location for years, you will have a good idea of where the flood-prone areas are. As soon as you see the rain pick up, steer clear of said areas. Not only are flood-prone areas dangerous for your car, but you might also end up getting stuck in said area as more people get stranded.

Always have a backup “flood free” route in your mind at all times. They might not be the shortest, but if it allows you to reach your destination without wading through a flood, they will be the best choice.

Think twice about driving through puddles

So the rain has stopped, and all you have in front of you are puddle-riddled roads. As much as possible, don’t drive through puddles. You might miscalculate the depth of the puddle and end up in a foot or two of water.

If you need to go through the puddle, wait for another car to pass by and estimate the puddle’s depth if it’s something your car can take.

Find a flood-free area and wait

If you are stranded and surrounded by severely flooded areas, find a safe space for your car and wait. There’s no point risking your car. Wait for the floodwaters to subside before venturing out. Some parking areas are elevated enough to keep you and your car safe from rising flood water so you can start there.

Invest in a flood cover

If your home is in a flood-prone location, there is very little you can do. You can relocate your car to higher ground, but there is an issue of security.

However, one thing you can do to protect your vehicle from flood damage is to buy a flood cover. A flood cover is almost like an inverted sun cover. It’s a simple tool that wraps your car from the underside up, keeping water away from entering the engine. Get one as soon as possible so you won’t have to worry about flood damage to your car at home.

Get a comprehensive car insurance plan

If you are worried about flood damage to your vehicle, you might as well get a comprehensive car insurance plan. Basic car insurance plans don’t cover flood damage, so a comprehensive one is much better. You can expect a higher monthly premium, but if it helps your peace of mind, it will be worth it.

T3 Atlanta For Flood Damage Assessment And Repair

If you think your car has flood damage, waste no time and contact T3 Atlanta right away. T3 Atlanta is the leading expert in repairing Infinity, Toyota, Nissan, and Lexus vehicles in the greater Atlanta area. Our team of experts can help assess a flooded car and give an expert diagnosis on what type of repair it will need to get it running.

Call T3 Atlanta to book an appointment today!