How to Repair a Car Engine Due to Flooding

Call your insurance company

The first thing to do is call your insurance company. Flood damage is usually covered by an all-risk insurance policy. These policies generally cover fire and theft, although you can always consult your insurance policy or call your insurance agent if in doubt.

The insurance company will send an expert, sometimes accompanied by a mechanic, to assess the extent of the damage to your car. The agent can declare your car a total loss if the total cost of repairing the flooded car is more than the value of the vehicle.

Check how deep your car was submerged

If the water gets past the middle of your tires, the car is generally considered a total loss. This is because the water has most likely reached most of the car's electrical cables and components. If the water rises a little higher, it will reach the engine. 

If you find your car after the flooding has already subsided, look for mud or debris residue on your car. The residue indicates how much water has seeped onto your car from the outside. If the water level is above the midsection of the tires, follow tip number one and do not start your engine.

Assessing the Damage

Before you begin the repair process, it's important to assess the extent of the damage to your engine. Some signs of water damage include difficulty starting the engine, a rough idling engine, and a decrease in power and performance. You should also check the oil and air filter for signs of water contamination and inspect the spark plugs for corrosion or rust.

Important! Never start an engine that has previously been flooded! Water in the cylinders or in the oil pan could cause lasting damage. Even if the engine starts, the danger is not yet over. If water gets into the oil circuit, there is a risk of piston seizure and crankshaft damage. In such a case, only the towing service can help. Before you begin the repair process, disconnect the battery to avoid an electrical shock. This will also prevent the engine from starting while you work on it.

When the water has already gone down, you should consider drying the interior to prevent damage to the trim and electrical wiring. Prolonged exposure to water causes mold to develop and spread in the passenger compartment, which is unhealthy for future occupants of the vehicle. Soak up water using rags and towels. 

Other materials, like seat upholstery and floor mats, are prone to deteriorate over time, so consider replacing them. When drying a flooded car mat, it's best to take it out and let it cool by hanging it near a heater. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess moisture.

Inspect other fluids

Apart from the oil and air filter, you should also check all reservoirs like brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. While it's possible to check them out on your own, it's always best to have your trusted mechanic perform the inspection. Contamination of these fluids will likely cause various car systems and major components to malfunction, which can be expensive to replace.

Once you've drained the oil and removed the filter, replace them with a new one. It's important to use high-quality oil to ensure the engine runs smoothly.

If the air filter is wet or damp, replace it with a new one. A wet air filter can cause the engine to run poorly and may even cause damage.

Remove the spark plugs and dry them thoroughly. You can use a hairdryer or compressed air to speed up the drying process.

Check the starter motor and alternator

Water can damage the starter motor and alternator. Check these components carefully for any signs of damage. If they're damaged, they may need to be replaced.

Find out if the electrical system is affected

This tip is only applicable if you are one hundred percent certain that your engine and fluid reservoirs are free from water contamination. The next thing you should check is your vehicle's electrical system, and you can only do this by turning on your engine. 

Before driving your vehicle, make sure the headlights, fog lights, turn signals, and taillights are working properly. You can also check the air conditioning, radio, electrical functions such as power windows, locks, and seats, and ambient cabin lights for any signs of system failure.

Tips for Preventing Future Flood Damage

Preventing future flood damage is essential to keep your car running smoothly. Here are some tips to help you avoid flooded engines:

• Avoid driving through flooded areas
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts
• Park on higher ground
• Use a flood-proofing kit

Remember that you cannot drive your car if the flood has reached the crucial components of your car. The only way to transport it is with a tow truck. Be sure to dry your vehicle immediately while waiting for the tow truck to arrive. 

Even if you think your car is still driveable, we still suggest you hire your trusted towing company and have it transported to your mechanic. Driving it with flood damage will only make things worse for your car.

Floods: Does the insurance pay?

The partially comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by flooding. However, drivers should be careful because the driver can be accused of gross negligence. For example, if he parked the car in a flood-prone parking lot. Therefore, when taking out insurance, you should make sure that it also covers damage caused by gross negligence. In addition, the insurance only covers the damage if the water has reached the car, not vice versa.

A note: Insured persons who have damage caused by flooding only have to pay the agreed deductible and are not downgraded. However, those affected must pay the salvage and towing costs themselves if they have not taken out a separate protection letter. Incidentally, it is different if the engine suffers damage due to residual water: only fully comprehensive insurance applies here. Therefore, never start a flooded car.

Conclusion

The good news is that a flooded car doesn't always end up in the junkyard. If you understand vehicle repair, fixing a flooded car engine is possible if you act fast.

Although it is possible to perform these tasks alone, we still suggest that you seek the assistance of a certified mechanic. He or she probably knows how to fix a flooded car engine better than anyone else because he or she can also assess the extent of the damage. You should also make sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance companies are likely to receive an overwhelming number of calls at the time of a widespread calamity, especially now that experts are predicting a longer hurricane season.