13/08/2018
Because it's season of Flood, Here are some tips for your flooded car.
Repairing a flooded car (once outside of water)
1. Don't Start the Car
This is key. Water, especially if its muddy or salty, can get into many components of your car, and the damage will be extensive.
2. Disconnect the Battery
Disconnecting the battery will protect you from electric shock while you check other things.
3. Roll Down the Windows
If possible. If the windows are electric, open the doors.
4.Look For a High-Water Mark
This will give you an idea of the level of damage. It will usually be clear, especially on the interior.
If the water level is high, don’t try to start the car. Push it out or get it towed.
Don’t try to start it. If any water got sucked into the air cleaner, it can suck water into the engine, which can bend the valve and cause huge problems.
5. Check Engine Oil
Clear the dipstick, then check your oil level. If there’s water droplets on your dipstick, there’s water in the engine. If you start the car, it’ll mix the oil and water. If there’s water on the dipstick, see step seven.
6. Change the oil again after a few hundred miles.
Change the oil and oil filter to get rid of any water.
You may have to wash out some mud from the oil pan.
7. Check fuel system. Siphon out some gas and look for water.
Water weighs more than gas, so make sure your siphon is at the bottom of the fuel tank.
If you find water mixed with the gas, your fuel system must be flushed.
8. Check Air Filter
This will tell you if water is likely in the engine. The air intake is fairly low on a lot of modern cars, and water can easily creep into the air filter and then into the engine.
If the filter is wet and there’s water in the air filter, then you have water in the engine. If you’re looking to flush the engine yourself, you can try the following. Be advised that trying to clear water incorrectly can result in major damage, so you may want to leave this part to a mechanic.
To clear the engine:
Take out the ignition coils and spark plugs
Turn engine over by using ignition key. Water will eject out of the engine head, and exhaust system.
9. Check Other Fluids
Brake, clutch, power steering, coolant reservoirs are sealed on most newer vehicles, but water can seep in.
10. Check Electrical Systems
Most of what you can do here is check for placement. If key electrical systems are below the water line, they will likely need to be replaced.
CTTO: Poblacion Jaen
Photo: ctto
