How to Repair Water Damage to a Vehicle

Water damage to a car is not as unusual as it may at first seem. It can come from a variety of things, such as floods, driving through deep water in a flooded area, from rain water or snow entering the engine compartment when the hood is left raised, or when windows are left down. Damage from water can happen to the engine, fuel system, breaking system, car interior, or even the paint. Some car parts can be repaired from water damage, while other parts will need to be replaced. But if your car has been damaged by water, and if you’d like to get it back to driving condition again, you’ll need to know which parts to repair, how to repair them, and which parts to replace. Refer to the tips below to get your car working again.

Tip 1 – Engine and Transmission Fluids

Car fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluids, cooling system, and other such examples are all vulnerable to damage from water. Engine and transmission are the most critical. Any attempt to run a car or truck that has water in the crankcase could result in serious damage to the engine. The same is true of the transmission. If there is a possibility that your engine or transmission has water in it, you should definitely check for signs of water. Fortunately, you can check this on the dip sticks of both engine and transmission. Fluids on these dip sticks that seem to be diluted, milky, or beige-colored all are signs of water infiltration. Do not attempt to start or drive your car. Have it towed to a place where you can drain the transmission and oil pan. If necessary, take it to a garage where a professional can assess any damage, estimate the seriousness of the damage and what it will cost to repair it.

Tip 2 – Braking System

If your vehicle has been submerged in water, there is little chance that the brake system has survived without damage. If possible, elevate your car, remove the wheels, allow break components such as drums, shoes, pads and other parts to dry. Then inspect them for damage. Drain the brake fluid and replace it.

Tip 3 – Engine Coolant

The cooling system of a vehicle that has been submerged in water will most certainly be diluted if invaded with water. Although the cooling system will not likely be damaged directly from water diluting the coolant, there is a danger that in colder months, if the coolant is not replaced, the diluted coolant could freeze and crack the engine block. For this reason, if you plan to keep the car that is water damaged you should be sure to drain the coolant and replace it with fresh coolant.

Tip 4 – Vehicle Interior

Although fabric inside the car will not be damaged in structure, it is almost certain to mildew and leave an unpleasant odor for as long as the car is operating. If you plan to keep the car, you should have the seats and fabric on the top and sides replaced.