In some parts of Malaysia, we are still recovering from the non-stop rainfall over the weekend. If you had been unlucky to have your car caught in one of the floods, we firstly hope that you and your family are safe. Then, after the floodwaters have drained away and dried up, it’s time to save your car.
Step 0: CALL YOUR INSURANCE
Most drivers do not know the detailed coverage that their insurance plan offers. You might have opted for the additional coverage for such “Acts of God” for a higher premium; if you did, then thank your past self for having the foresight.
Step 1: DO NOT SWITCH ON THE ENGINE
Increasingly over the years, our cars are made up of as many electrical components as mechanical parts. Avoid turning on the engine as this might cause further damage.
Step 2: CHECK THE FLOODWATER LEVEL & VEHICLE WADING DEPTH
If you were not there to witness how high the floodwaters were, look for traces of mud or stains on the upholstery. The water level is important to note because every car has an acceptable “wading level” that is how deep can it be submerged while still avoiding the car’s electric components, air intake and other sensitive components.
Check with the manufacturer on your car model’s wading depth – if the water didn’t go above it, then you can relax a little. However, you’re not completely out of the woods yet as most cars are only ever expected to wade through water for a few short minutes, not for longer periods of time.
To understand this better, go to our article on the Best Cars in Malaysia to Drive Through Floods With.
Step 3: DRY YOUR CAR AS BEST AS POSSIBLE
A moist, warm environment is the perfect place for mold to grow and that’s exactly what we want to avoid. Besides being unsightly, mold can also be detrimental to health. Wipe away traces of water and use towels to absorb as much moisture as possible from the upholstery. Leave the doors open to air out the interior.
Step 4: DISCONNECT THE CAR BATTERY
An important step to avoid electric shock before you proceed with the other steps, which are essentially to determine whether water has entered your car systems and to get rid of it if it did.
At this point, though, you could have your car towed to the workshop and have your mechanic aka the expert take it from here. But if you foolishly want to DIY this repair, then read on…
Step 5: CHECK ENGINE OIL
If there is any water droplet on the dipstick, you’ll have to change the engine oil and oil filter.
Step 6: CHECK FUEL
Siphon out some fuel from the bottom of the tank (because water is denser than oil and therefore will sink to the bottom) and look for water. If there is any, flush the fuel system and refuel.
Step 7: CHECK OTHER FLUIDS
Brake, clutch and power steering fluids are hygroscopic so if the sealant along the systems is not 100%, water could seep in and these fluids would have deteriorated.
Step 8: CHECK AIR FILTER
If the air filter is wet, then water has likely gotten into the engine too. To clear it, remove the spark plugs (hence why STEP 4 is important), then turn the engine over to eject water from the spark plug holes.
Here’s an oldie but goodie YT video that demonstrates it succinctly (skip to 1:45):
The best of luck to you and hope your car is not destined for the scrapyard.
