As the monsoon rolls in, so will flooding issues. Major cities face flooding issues, especially apartments that have basement parking if not planned well. Most people come back to a horror sight with their priced possession half-submerged in water. If that’s the case, here are five must-follow steps to rescue your car from the flood.
Do not open doors or start the car
Usually, the first instinct for people is to inspect the interior or try and start the car as soon as the water has receded — do not do it! Unlocking the car could cause an electrical short circuit, causing much more damage and if you manage to open the car manually, do not start the car. In case there is water in the air filter box or in and around other components, it can damage the engine or cause a short circuit again, causing more damage.
Call a technician
The next step is to call for service — call the authorised service centre or a trained technician to assess the damage. This is also the time to inform your insurance provider to see how they can help out. You cannot do anything else but hand over the car to get it checked thoroughly by a trained professional.
Change all fluids
Once the car has been checked thoroughly, a service centre would have drained all the fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, etc.) and filled fresh ones. In case this has not been done, insist on getting it done even if the service centre says there is no need. It will be an added expense but well worth it, since some fluids such as the brake and clutch fluids absorb water and could lead to a brake failure. Just change all the fluids.
Clean the interior
Get the interior of the car also checked for loose wiring, water seepage, stagnant water, and other signs and clean it completely. This will require a professional to do it and most modern cars have a ton of electronics inside, including seat adjustment and mirrors. Air out the upholstery and check for moulds, and if you do spot any, get the car treated for the same.
Now, assess the car
Most car owners think that it is the end of the life when a car has been through a flood. If the above steps were carefully followed, your car is safe, however, if the car was started for some reason or the engine oil was not changed and water was found in along with the engine oil, you might consider selling the car. Now the decision is left up to you.
