10 things to do when your car is flooded - Vietnamese drivers need to remember

Do not attempt to start the engine, check the fluid system and engine air filter are the first things to do when the car is submerged in water.

A flooded car can cause damage to many parts of the car, especially the engine, electrical system and interior. For a sedan, hatchback or urban crossover, water can reach halfway up the wheel well. In this case, the driver should follow the 10 steps below to determine the damage and fix it.

1. Do not attempt to start the engine

If your car is in deep water, turn the key and try once to see if you can start the car. If you can't, don't try to start the car a few more times because the more you try, the more damage you can do, especially if water gets into the engine and causes hydrolock. Push the car to a dry place and call for help.

2. Determine flood level

Mud and small debris will form a line on the body of the car, based on which you can determine the maximum depth of water that the car was submerged in. If the water does not reach below the bottom of the door, rest assured that your car is fine. Normally, insurance companies start calculating flood damage when the water level reaches the dashboard.

3. Call your insurance company

Most current car insurance packages include provisions for damage caused by flooding, depending on the level of insurance purchased by the owner, whether there is water hammer or not... Call the insurance company immediately when the car has an accident to carry out procedures to prove the incident, compensate for repairs or replacement as soon as possible.

4. Dry the interior

If water gets into the interior, the damage can be very quick. So, after getting the car out of the flooded area, open all the doors to let the water out. Use any tools you have, including towels, to absorb any remaining water. Then use a fan or large dryer to dry the interior before the rescue team arrives to take it to the garage.

5. Check engine oil and air filter

Open the hood and observe, if there is a lot of water in the air filter, engine or oil tank, there is a risk that your car has water in the engine. For normal people who do not know about technology, the best way is to let a technician check and repair.

6. Check other fluids

In new cars, the fluid system is tightly sealed, but in older cars there is still a risk of leakage. Therefore, in addition to engine oil, other fluids such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant should be checked.

7. Check the electrical system

If the car starts, check all the electrical components such as headlights, turn signals, air conditioning, audio, door locks, power windows, power trunk release, seat adjustment, mirrors, and even interior lights. If any of these components are not working properly, it is a sign that water is causing the electrical system to malfunction.

8. Check tires and rims

Before driving, check your tires, rims, and brakes for debris, mud, metal, or glass. Mud that gets into your brake discs reduces braking efficiency and can cause damage over time. It is best to wash your vehicle thoroughly in this area.

9. If in doubt, replace

If your car has not been serviced or repaired for a long time and it is time to check if it is flooded, it is best to replace the parts that are easily damaged as mentioned above. A flooded car may not cause immediate consequences for a few days, but it may take months for the problem to appear, so "better safe than sorry".

10. Be careful with flooded cars

This last section is for those who intend to buy a used car. Many drivers will refurbish their cars to make them look new on the outside to sell them while hiding their flood history. Therefore, it is best to buy a used car with a clear history of the car, otherwise, have it inspected by a reputable facility.

According to VNE