Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

We are all still reeling from the damage caused by typhoon Ondoy - we have lost lives, houses, livelihoods and properties. Now that recovery has begun, we are looking forward to getting our lives back to normal. My next few posts hopefully bring some hope back - some reassurance that things will be better soon.

What to do when your car is submerged in a flood?

Images of cars and other vehicles floating in flood water or stacked over each other reminds me of the horror that was Ondoy. I was myself praying the water would stop rising on that rainy Saturday night - the water level reached up to our garage where our cars were, but thankfully it stopped right at my car's rear tires.

But a lot of our kababayans are not as lucky. Right now their cars and other vehicles are dead, filled with mud and gunk. But there's hope still. I suggest you show this post to someone you know whose vehicle / car was submerged in the flood water of Ondoy. It just might save him/her his vehicle...

Do you have car insurance?

A big issue on people's minds is car insurance. Unfortunately, normal comprehensive car insurance does not cover acts of God or natural disasters such as typhoons and floods. It is instead, an optional coverage. If you live in an area where flooding is frequent, it would be best to include this in your insurance package next time. It is a bit more money, but if you afford it, it will save you a lot of trouble in the end.

If you don't have flood and typhoon coverage, don't worry, there's hope for your vehicle. Read on and hopefully you can save your vehicles from further damage.

What to do with your car after a flood

I saw an email being circulated with some tips on how to salvage a submerged vehicle/car especially if the car engine was submerged in water. I think this very good information to share. (I just reformatted it a bit).

In line with the recent devastation that our countrymen suffered due to flood, I would like to give some practical tips to those whose vehicles have been submerged in water.

1. First, don't try to start your vehicle as this might short circuit the electrical connections and damage the computer module, if the vehicle is equipped with one. Let it stay and dry for a day or two.
2. Disconnect the battery.
3. Have it towed to your nearest autoshop or if you have a trusted mechanic, have it serviced in your home.
4. All consumables, meaning, fluids of the vehicle must be drained and changed: engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, steering fluid, water in radiator/reservoir, etc.).
5. All filters (oil, fuel, transmission etc.) and spark plugs must also be replaced.
6. Othe parts for replacement will depend upon the inspection and further testing by the mechanic.
7. Of course, your vehicle will need interior and engine detailing.

I hope these reminders will serve as your guide to prevent any further damage to your vehicle. God bless!

Ronald R. Misa
Motortech, Inc

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