Collision Repair
EV Repair
Floodwaters can be catastrophic for many reasons. Not only do they have the potential to destroy farmland, businesses, and homes, but they can also pose significant damage to vehicles. If you discover that your car has been partially or completely submerged in floodwater, it’s highly likely that it has sustained damage. The best thing you can do is to have your vehicle professionally inspected by a trusted mechanic, who can assess the flood damage and provide recommendations for next steps. Flooding is one of several kinds of weather-related vehicle damage that St. Louis area drivers deal with each year.
Can Water Damaged Cars be Saved?
Certain variables determine whether cars that have sustained water damage can be repaired. For instance, vehicles submerged in saltwater are much more likely to be totaled, which occurs when the cost of repair is greater than the car’s value. On the other hand, if your vehicle was impacted by fresh water, the likelihood of repair is higher, but it’s imperative that all mud and silt be removed.
The amount of water also plays a role. Cars partially submerged in just a few feet of water are likely to be fixed, whereas those almost or completely underwater are more costly to repair. Another important factor to consider is where the damage occurred. If the fixes simply include replacing floor mats, carpet, upholstery, or door panels, your car can easily be saved. However, if electrical issues arise, the cost of repairs can quickly skyrocket.
Overall, it’s important to seek assistance from an expert mechanic, as they possess the knowledge and skills to guide you through the repair process. The technicians at Auto Beauty Specialists in Olivette, MO, and across the greater St. Louis metro area, are experienced in flooded car restorations, and will do everything in their power to get you back on the road in a timely manner. Flood damage carries some of the same risks as hail damage: both leave moisture behind that can accelerate rust if repairs are delayed.
What to Do if Your Car Has Water Damage
When a vehicle is affected by floodwaters, the process to repair, as well as the damage itself, can be complicated. If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle was submerged in water, you can perform a series of steps that may increase the chances of a favorable outcome:
1. Don’t Start the Engine
Once you discover your vehicle was impacted by flooding, don’t attempt to start it, even if the waters have subsided. If water is present in your vehicle’s engine as you turn the ignition, it can hydrolock, meaning the piston won’t fire as it should. As a result, significant damage will occur, leaving you with a totaled car.
2. Move Your Car to Higher Ground
It’s important that you act quickly, as the likelihood of extensive damage rises the longer a vehicle remains in water. As soon as you notice that your car was impacted, call a towing service immediately. They’ll be able to move your vehicle to higher ground so you can minimize further damage.
3. Survey the Damage
Once your car is away from floodwater, assess the damage. In many cases, you’ll be able to see the water levels as it relates to your vehicle in the form of a line, thanks to the mud and silt. Be sure to take photos of any noticeable damage, as doing so will help you in the insurance claims process.
4. Dry Your Vehicle as Much as Possible
Getting as much moisture out of your vehicle as possible matters, since it helps limit further damage. Plus, if you leave the vehicle as-is, it’s likely that mold will grow and a musty smell will develop. When drying your car, don’t use a regular vacuum. Opt for a wet or dry vacuum instead to prevent electrical shock. It also helps to ventilate your car by opening all doors or using fans.
5. Take Your Car to a Mechanic and File a Claim
After drying and ventilating your vehicle, arrange a towing service to transport your car to a trusted collision repair shop. The technicians will assess the damage, taking note of any remaining water, and create an estimate for the cost of repair.
The next step you should take is to file an insurance claim. Your insurance company, along with the help of your mechanic, will work together to determine the cost of repairs compared to your vehicle’s value. At Auto Beauty Specialists, we act as your liaison with the insurance company and help guide you through the process. We’ll be there every step of the way and help you understand your options.
How to Fix a Flooded Car
When your vehicle is inspected by a mechanic, they’ll conduct an in-depth analysis of all potentially affected areas. For example, they will inspect the oil dipstick for water droplets, which may indicate that there’s water in the engine, too. If water has affected the engine, the technician removes the cylinders, piston, and other key parts to check for corrosion.
Additionally, technicians will inspect your car’s interior and remove any excess water. They’ll also test your vehicle’s electrical system, checking features connected to the wiring, such as:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Turn signals
- Power windows
If damage occurs to any electrical component, the technician replaces it. Further, the mechanic will inspect your brakes, power steering, clutch, and coolant reservoirs. Some forms of electrical damage can be fixed or replaced, such as your fuse box or modules, but those repairs will likely be expensive. Electrical issues can also end up costing more to fix than the car is worth.
Other important areas your mechanic will inspect include the fuel tank and line. Technicians use a special pump to remove fuel and check whether water seeped through. If water is present, it’ll be obvious, since it will be separated from the gasoline. Then, they’ll empty the fuel tank completely.
Once the inspection is complete, they will present an estimate of the repair costs. The shop submits the estimate to your insurance company, which determines a dollar amount to compensate you. If insurance approves the repair, your mechanic performs the necessary fixes. If the insurance company deems your car as totaled, you’ll probably have to begin the car buying process.
Auto Beauty Specialists is Here to Help
Auto Beauty Specialists has been the premier St. Louis auto body repair shop for 60+ years. Customers have come to trust our services, regardless of their vehicle’s damage. We value honesty and full transparency when conducting estimates and repairs, so you can be confident that the service you receive is accurate. See our auto repair facts for more on what a real repair guarantee covers. We also work with all major insurance companies to help make the claims process easier. If your vehicle has water damage from flooding, Auto Beauty Specialists can help you assess it and start the repair process.
