Car Trapped in Flooded, Here's What to Do!

A car that is trapped in a flood not only poses a danger to the driver and passengers but also risks causing significant damage to the vehicle. If your car is in this situation, there are several steps you can take to minimize potential problems. Please read our article below for a more detailed explanation.

 

A few months ago, a video went viral in Indonesia, showing a Toyota Fortuner struggling to cross a flood on a road. The video, widely shared on social media, depicted the Fortuner attempting to cross the flood despite warnings from residents about the high water level. Eventually, the car stalled as the floodwater reached nearly the height of the engine hood.

 

Vehicle owners should not force their way through floods, especially if the water level is high. Crossing a flood is not only unsafe but can also cause damage to the vehicle. So, what should you do? Here are some tips on what to do when your car is trapped or flooded.

 

Actions to Take When Your Car Is Stuck in Flooded

1. Move the car to a safe place

The first step to take when your car is stuck in a flood is to move it to a safer location. It is recommended not to start the car immediately, as this can lead to a condition called water hammer, where water enters the combustion chamber and potentially damages the engine. Alternatively, you can push the car to a safe place without starting the engine. If you need immediate professional assistance, towing services can be used to transport the car to a garage.

 

2. Remove the car battery cables

The next step you can take is to remove the car battery cables. Since the battery provides electricity to the electronic components in the car, removing the cables is necessary to prevent short circuits. Leaving the battery cables submerged in floodwater increases the risk of short circuits.

 

3. Do not activate the parking brake

Once the car is in a safe location, it is important not to activate the parking brake. Instead, you can use objects like stones to wedge the wheels and set the gear to first gear for manual cars or position P for automatic cars.

 

While the parking brake is essential for keeping the car stationary when parked, it is advisable not to engage it when there is standing water. This prevents the brake pads from becoming sticky.

 

4. Dry the car's ignition parts

After a car gets stuck and flooded, it is crucial to dry the ignition system components, such as spark plugs and coils. These parts are susceptible to damage when exposed to water. Drying these ignition components promptly helps reduce the risk of potential damage.

 

Read Also: 7 Best Fuel-Efficient City Car Options 

 

5. Drain the car's fuel tank

Another important step is to drain the car's fuel tank. When a car is flooded, water can enter the tank and mix with gasoline, leading to issues like rust formation and disruption of the car's ignition system. If not addressed, the interior of the tank can corrode, potentially causing fuel leaks.

 

6. Change the car's oil

After a car is stuck and flooded, there is a high possibility that the oil has mixed with floodwater. This can be observed by a change in oil color to white-brown. This condition damages the lubricant molecules in the oil and accelerates wear. To prevent this problem, it is advisable to replace the old oil with new oil.

 

7. Clean the exterior and interior of the car

To prevent mold and rust from developing on the car's exterior and interior after being flooded, it is important to thoroughly clean and dry them. Open all parts of the car, including the trunk, windows, hood, and doors. Remove and wash the flooded carpets with soap.

 

Additionally, make sure to clean the foam and upholstery of the car seats. If needed, remove the car door panel to clean the interior more effectively. If you encounter difficulties, you can seek assistance from a professional car salon service for thorough interior cleaning.

 

8. Take it to a workshop for further handling

After you have taken the previous handling steps, it is advisable to still take the flooded car to the workshop. You can contact a towing service to help take the car to the workshop so that a more experienced mechanic can conduct an inspection and further handling. If damage is found on some components, then immediately repair or replace them so that the car can be used again. 

 

Read Also: Tips for Choosing the Best and Most Trusted Car Service

 

Impacts of a Flooded Car That is Not Immediately Handled

A car that has been stuck in a flood needs to be handled immediately. If left unattended, the car is at risk of various damage, such as the following:

 

1. Damage to the engine and electronic components

Water that enters the engine and electronic components can cause serious damage. This can result in damage to the ignition system, fuel injection system, or even more serious engine damage.

 

2. Leaks and corrosion

Flood water that has already entered into the car's parts can cause corrosion and leaks. This can certainly disrupt the car's overall performance.

 

3. Unpleasant odor

After a car is flooded, an unpleasant odor may appear. This odor is caused by contamination of dirty water that enters the car. If not cleaned immediately, this condition can also cause the growth of mold and rust.

 

When a car is flooded, further handling is indeed needed. By entrusting the repair to an experienced mechanic, the car can be repaired thoroughly and can be used again properly.

 

If you need a vehicle for your daily mobility while your car is in the workshop, you can rent it at MPMRent. We provide a variety of car types to meet your transportation needs that suit your preferences. Our cars are also well-maintained so that they have optimal performance and are comfortable to use.

 

Book now and enjoy the best car rental service from MPMRent. Contact us now!