Water hammer, also known as engine flooding, is a phenomenon where water enters the combustion chamber of a car engine through the air intake. When this happens, the engine will suddenly stall. If you try to restart it, water will be sucked deep inside the engine, causing serious damage and expensive repairs.
According to the 2023 flood damage assessment report, 78% of vehicles flooded above the dashboard level were determined to be total losses, with repair costs exceeding 60% of the vehicle's pre-flood value.
Flooded cars not only cause damage to the interior but also seriously affect the engine and electrical system. According to experts, when water reaches the hood, the car is at risk of being completely damaged due to hydrostatic shock. Here are 10 things to do immediately when your car encounters this situation.
First and foremost, do not attempt to start the car. If you do, water could enter the engine, leading to hydrolocking – a dangerous condition that can cause serious engine damage. Push the car out of the flooded area and call for help.
Contact your insurance company as soon as you have an accident. They will help you assess the extent of the damage and guide you through the steps required to make a claim. Depending on your policy, you may be entitled to some or all of the repair costs.
Check the water level in your car by looking at the markings on the body of the car. If the water has reached the dashboard, the damage is very high and you should take the next steps to deal with it quickly.
After removing the vehicle from the flooded area, open all the doors to let the water drain out. Use dry towels to absorb water from the floor, then use a fan or large hair dryer to dry the interior. This is important to avoid mold and damage to interior parts such as leather seats and carpets.
If you have mechanical experience, check the oil system and air filter. Change the oil if necessary, but make sure no water has entered the engine before doing so.
In addition to engine oil, check other fluids such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. This helps ensure that there are no leaks due to water ingress.
If the car still starts, check all electrical components such as lights, air conditioning, and sensors. Any signs of failure could be the result of water entering the electrical system.
Before driving, check your wheels and tires for any dirt or debris. This will help ensure that braking performance is not impaired.
If the technician cannot diagnose or repair the vehicle, be prepared for the possibility that the vehicle could be totaled. This will give you a more proactive approach to resolving the issue with your insurance company.
Finally, keep a record of your car's flood history to help technicians identify problems in the future. This will also be helpful if you decide to sell your car later.
Flooded cars can experience several serious problems:
Timely and proper handling of a flooded car will help limit damage and save significant repair costs in the future.
The average repair cost for a flooded vehicle ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with engine replacement accounting for 45 percent of the total cost. Data from 5,000 cases shows that prompt professional intervention can reduce repair costs by up to 60 percent.
The extent of damage is usually determined by the level of the water and signs such as corrosion, musty odors in the interior, or electrical system failure. If water reaches the dashboard, the damage can be as much as 70% of the vehicle’s value. To find out the answer “Does insurance cover flooded cars??” See details at: https://thanhphongauto.com/bao-hiem-tra-phi-o-to-ngap-nuoc/.
As a precaution, you should avoid driving through flooded areas, monitor weather forecasts, and use traffic apps to stay informed about road conditions. It is also important to have your electrical system and engine checked regularly.
Drying time depends on the extent of flooding and weather conditions, but it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to completely dry the interior using a fan or large dryer.
Signs include: warning lights, musty smells, strange engine noises, and decreased performance. If you notice any of these signs, get it checked out immediately. Check out the article: How to check for flooded cars when buying used cars Fast, simple, and most effective, shared by many experts.
You should call a tow truck as soon as your car is submerged in water and cannot be driven safely. This will ensure that your car is handled properly and minimize the risk of further damage. Choose a reputable service that has experience in handling this situation to ensure the safety of your car.
Car rescue service for water hammered cars at Thanh Phong Auto is the perfect solution for those who have problems when their car is flooded. With over 10 years of experience in the auto repair and maintenance industry, we understand the worries and confusion of customers when they encounter this situation. Our team of professional and experienced technicians is ready to support you 24/7, day or night, helping you fix the problem quickly and effectively. When the car is flooded, what should you pay attention to when repairing/maintaining? See the article: https://thanhphongauto.com/bao-duong-xe-o-ngap-nuoc/.
We are committed to providing service 247 car rescue with an average response time of only 15 to 20 minutes in Ho Chi Minh City and 30 to 45 minutes for suburban areas. Thanh Phong Auto not only ensures transparency in pricing but also says no to "price gouging", bringing peace of mind to customers. A modern, diverse system of rescue vehicles and specialized equipment will help us handle all situations, from small cars to heavy trucks.
Let Thanh Phong Auto accompany you in protecting your beloved car from water damage. Contact us today for timely advice and support!
Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:
* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.
To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.
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