Floods are the most common form of weather-related natural disaster. Several parts of the world experienced floods owing to torrential rainfalls. Though they are not common in the UAE, there are heavy rainfalls in this part of the world that cause flash floods. Wadi flash flooding is common in the country’s winter season. The term Wadi means river beds. The weather bureau advises people to stay away from wadis that are situated in rocky mountains close to the UAE’s East coast during rainfalls. Vehicles are severely affected by floods caused by these heavy downpours. Let us take you through important tips and repairs pertinent to fixing a flooded car.
How to Fix a Flooded Car?
If you ever experience getting stuck in a flooded vehicle, here is how to fix it:
1. Don’t start your car right away
First things first, don’t try to start your car after it has been submerged in flood water for a long time. Muddy water enters many parts of the car and starting it right away will result in severe damages. The key is to get your vehicle towed out of the floodwater. You can also push it out if the water level isn’t that high.
2. Disconnect the battery
Disconnecting the car battery is necessary to prevent electric shocks when checking other components of the vehicle.
3. Open car windows
Roll down the windows and let the car dry. Open the car doors if the car has electronic windows.
4. Check and clear out the interior
If the flood water gushed inside your cars, the most important thing is to drain it out and dry your car. Open car doors to drain out the water, use a towel to absorb water that soaked in the car seats and carpet. If the car had floor mats, take them out to dry. To speed up the drying process use dehumidifiers and fans. This will also help remove the musty odour that the rainwater leaves behind. Use an upholstery cleaner to cleanse off the watermarks.
5. Check the engine oil
After clearing out the interior, check your car’s oil level with a clean dipstick. If you find water droplets in the oil on the dipstick it means there is water in the car engine. Never start the car if you find droplets of water on the dipstick because this could damage the engine cylinders.
6. Change oil and oil filter
When you discover water inside the engine, change the oil and the oil filter to get rid of it. You might also have to empty out the oil filter to get rid of water. If you are unsure about this step, seek help from a professional mechanic to change the oil and oil filter.
7. Check the fuel system
Use a siphon pump and remove some fuel to determine if there is any sign of water. If the fuel has water in it, the fuel system needs to be flushed.
8. Check the air filter
Another important step for fixing a flooded vehicle is to determine if there is water in the engine. In most modern cars, air intake is fairly low enabling water to easily seep into the air filter and the engine. A wet filter means there is water in the air filter and the engine. Flushing the engine works best in such a situation. If you want to clear out/ flush the engine on your own, you should:
- Take out the spark plugs and ignition coils
- Turn over the engine with the ignition key, this enables water to emit out of the engine head and the exhaust system
However, if you do not know how to fix a flooded engine, you should consult a professional mechanic. Remember, trying to flush the engine incorrectly can majorly damage it. Once done, replace the air filter.
9. Check all other fluids
You also need to check all other fluids in your car including clutch, brake, power steering and the coolant reservoirs. Though the reservoirs are sealed in most modern cars, water can still seep in.
10. Check the car’s electronic systems
Checking the car’s electronic systems is also important for fixing a flooded car. Find out if the electrical systems were above or below the waterline. In case the electronic systems were below the waterline, they will need a replacement.
That is all about fixing a flooded car. Remember, panicking in any calamity is not a solution. One should stay calm and fix the situation.
Besides, if the rainwater has massively damaged your car such that it’s beyond repair or requires expensive repairs that are out of your budget, it only makes sense to buy another economical car. Go through this list of used cars, here you will find several auto brands at different prices.
If you are buying a used car from an auction, read these tips to avoid buying a flood damaged car.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top car blog for more on car DIY solutions, car care and vehicle repair tips.
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