In the song “Five Feet High and Rising”, Johnny Cash sings about experiencing a flood in his town. He talks about the effects it had on the crops, farm animals, and train tracks. However, he doesn’t mention the effects done to automobiles.
While Big Valley Auto Auction wasn’t around for the 1937 flood that Johnny Cash sings about, we have still seen a fair share of flood damaged cars since 2008. In fact, floods are the number one natural disaster in our home-state of Texas.
In this article, you’re going to learn the types of damage that flooding can cause to your car and how you can protect it from these conditions.
After reading this article, you’ll have the information needed to help prepare your car for future floods.
How Can Flooding Damage a Car?
Since Johnny Cash failed to mention flood damage to cars, we’ll do it for him. We’re going to break down the following 6 types of damage that flooding can cause to your car:
- Corrosion
- Electrical issues
- Brake problems
- Tire damage
- Interior damage
- Exterior damage
Corrosion
When you leave your tools outside in the rain, the moisture from the rainwater will cause the tools to rust. Similarly, prolonged exposure to rainwater can lead to corrosion of the car's body panels, undercarriage, and various components.
Electrical issues
Just like any electrical device, water can damage electrical features in cars. Water can seep into sensitive electrical components, such as the engine control unit (ECU), sensors, and wiring harnesses, which can cause malfunctions or short circuits.
Brake problems
When you walk on a wet floor, the chances of you slipping are higher than if the floor was dry. This is because water interferes with the grip your shoes have on the floor’s surface, decreasing your ability to stop yourself from sliding. Likewise, water can enter the car’s brake system and reduce brake performance or cause temporary loss of braking ability due to the water interfering with brake pads and rotors.
Tire damage
Floodwater often contains different chemicals, oils, and pollutants from streets and sewage systems. These substances can degrade the rubber compounds in tires, causing them to weaken, crack, or even disintegrate over time.
Interior damage
If water levels rise high enough, it can flood the interior of the car, damaging the upholstery, electrical systems, and potentially the engine.
Moisture trapped inside the car can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, causing unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. (This is like sweating in your clothes and leaving them on the floor.)
Exterior damage
When you brush your teeth too hard, the toothbrush strips away the protective layer on your teeth. Floodwater has the same effect on a vehicle’s exterior. It can strip away protective coatings and damage the paint finish on the exterior of the car. This can result in paint peeling, fading, or discoloration.
In extreme cases, severe rain and strong winds will create hail. If hail makes contact with your car, it can dent or crack its body panels and windshield.
How Can I Protect My Car From Flood Damage?
Although there’s no guarantee that your car will remain unaffected by a flood, here are 6 steps you can take to help minimize the amount of damage your car takes.
- Park in a safe location
- Use flood barriers
- Raise electrical components
- Invest in waterproofing products
- Inspect your car regularly
- Check insurance coverage
Park in a Safe Location
Parking your car in a garage or elevated area decreases the chance of your vehicle flooding. Avoid parking in low-lying areas, near rivers, or in areas with poor drainage.
Also keep an eye on storm drains and gutters near where you park your car. Make sure they are clear of debris and functioning properly to prevent water buildup during heavy rains.
Use Flood Barriers
If you don't have access to a garage or elevated parking, consider using flood barriers such as sandbags around your car to keep water away.
Raise Electrical Components
If you're 6 feet tall and you're standing in a pool that's 2 feet deep, your head is safe from being under water. Similarly, elevating the electrical components of your car, such as the battery and wiring harnesses, will reduce the risk of water damage.
Invest in Waterproofing Products
Treat vulnerable areas of your car, such as door seals and electrical connections, with waterproofing products to create an additional layer of protection for your car.
Some products, such as inflatable car covers or raised platforms, are specifically made to protect vehicles from flooding. Splash guards and mud flaps can also help prevent water and debris from splashing up into your car's engine compartment and undercarriage.
Inspect Your Car Regularly
Just like you should go to the doctor every 6 months for a health checkup, you should routinely inspect your car for signs of water damage, such as musty odors, damp carpets, or corrosion. Be sure to fix any issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Check Insurance Coverage
Review your car insurance policy to know what coverage you have for flood damage. Consider adding comprehensive coverage if you don't already have it, as this can help cover repair costs in the event of flood damage.
Do I Know How to Protect My Car From Flood Damage?
Floods are the most frequent natural disaster in the world and the damage they can cause to your car could be expensive. However, knowing the types of damage flooding can cause to your car and what tips to use can help you plan to protect it when floods occur.
Whether you’re a car owner or a car dealer who experiences flooding in your area, you can use this article as a guide to help you minimize flood damage to your vehicle.
Just because a car has flood damage doesn't mean someone won't buy it. If you're looking for an auto auction to help you sell your flood damaged vehicle, click the button below to speak with our dealer registration specialist to get you registered with Big Valley Auto Auction.
Not ready to talk? That’s okay! First, learn more about what it’s like to buy and sell at Big Valley Auto Auction by clicking the image below:
