Taking care of your car during floods is essential to minimize damage and ensure your vehicle remains safe and functional. If you reside in a flood-prone area,
1. Avoid Driving Through Flooded Areas
Stay Away from Water: The safest way to safeguard your car is to not drive through flooded areas. Shallow water may damage your engine or electrical system, while deeper water will leave you stranded or, worse, a complete loss.
Check for Flood Risk: If there’s a risk of flooding, stay indoors and tune in to local weather reports for the latest news.
2. Park in a Safe Elevated Area
Higher Ground: In case of heavy rainfall or flooding, park your car in a higher or less likely to flood zone, for example, a parking garage or up on some higher ground. Avoid parking in such low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Move Early to Safety: If you are staying in an area that’s likely to experience flooding, move your car to safety well before the waters begin to rise.
3. Flood Barriers or Covers to Protect Your Car
Use Waterproof Covers: If you have no choice but to park outside, using a waterproof cover can help protect the exterior and minimize potential damage from rain and debris.
Flood Barriers: For those living in high-risk flood zones, investing in flood barriers around your vehicle may offer extra protection.
4. Seal Doors and Windows
If you can, move your car out of where the floodwaters are projected to rise; if not possible, make sure all doors and windows are completely closed so water may not penetrate through the car.
5. Disconnect Battery (If Feasible
Prevent Electrical Damage: If your car is submerged, disconnecting the battery can save the electrical parts from water damage. This can be very useful if you are forced to evacuate and cannot take your car out.
6. Remain in Your Vehicle If You Get Stranded
If you get caught in floodwaters and cannot get out safely, stay inside your car. Remain seated with your seatbelt fastened and wait for assistance. It’s safer inside your vehicle than trying to wade through floodwater, which may have strong currents or hidden hazards.
7. Check Your Car After a Flood
Do Not Restart: If your car has suffered a flood, do not go and start the engine. Water can damage critical parts such as the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
Check for Water Damage: Check for signs of water in the cabin, trunk, or under the hood. Should you suspect that there is already water inside your car, have it checked professionally by a mechanic.
Check Fluids: Floodwater could contaminate the oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Check these fluids and replace them.
8. Filter Replacement
If your vehicle has been flooded, change the air filter and other essential filters, such as the fuel filter. These filters can absorb water and debris, which will result in more damage.
9. Dry the Inside
Dry the Cabin: If the inside of your car has gotten wet, dry out the carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces as quickly as possible. Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or leave the windows open on a dry day to allow airflow and prevent mold growth.
10. File a Claim with Insurance (If Necessary)
Comprehensive Coverage: Flood damage is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance, so get in touch with your insurance company and file a claim if your car was damaged.
Record the Damage: Take pictures of the flood damage to your vehicle for insurance purposes, and record the steps you took to prevent further damage.
11. Have the Car Professionally Inspected and Repaired
After flooding, it is recommended to have your car checked by a professional mechanic who will be able to assess any internal damage and clean the vehicle completely. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that mold, rust, and other long-term damage will occur.