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How Driving Through a Flood Can Damage Your Car
After a heavy rainstorm, large and deep puddles can remain on the roads. In some cases, rivers may overflow, leaving several inches of water on streets and highways. While it might seem harmless to drive through a small puddle, you might not realize how dangerous it can be for your vehicle.
Even just a few inches of water can cause serious damage to your car’s engine and other critical components. It's important to understand the risks before driving through flooded areas. The next time you're out after a storm, consider these key points.
**It Doesn’t Take Much**
Driving through floodwaters at high speed is never a good idea. You can't always tell how deep the water is just by looking. What seems like a shallow puddle could actually be several inches deep. Plus, there could be hidden dangers beneath the surface—like sharp objects that could puncture your tires or damage your undercarriage.
If the water is four inches deep or more, or if it's standing water six inches or higher, your car could suffer major damage:
- Brake rotors can warp from sudden cooling.
- Power steering systems might fail unexpectedly.
- Electrical components could short out.
- Water splashing into the engine can cause internal damage.
Speeding through floodwater also increases the risk of hydroplaning, which can lead to loss of control and potentially serious accidents.
If your car stalls in floodwater, trying to restart it can make things worse. It can force even more water into the engine, leading to costly repairs.
**The Engine**
Your car’s engine is particularly vulnerable when driving through floodwaters. The faster you go, the more water you splash onto the engine. Going above 25 mph can be risky, as it increases the chance of water entering sensitive parts.
Water can also get into the engine through the vent pipe, which could cause transmission problems. The air intake is another entry point—water sucked into the engine’s cylinders can cause hydrostatic lock, where the pistons stop moving and the engine fails.
Even a small amount of moisture can be dangerous. After driving through a flood, check under the bumper for signs of dampness. If you find any, it's possible water entered the air intake and caused internal damage.
**Can My Car Be Saved?**
Even if your car starts the next day, it might have hidden issues. Don’t rely solely on visual inspection. Check your oil, differential fluid, and transmission fluid for signs of water contamination. Also inspect the belts and intake manifold.
While you can do a basic check yourself, it's best to take your car to a professional mechanic. They can thoroughly inspect the mechanical and electrical systems and flush out any contaminated fluids.
If you're worried about flood damage, don’t wait—bring your car in for a full assessment. At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we specialize in flood damage repair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Your car’s safety and performance are worth the extra care.