What to do when your car is damaged in flood? A step-by-step guide

Meghna Chakraborty
Est. Reading Time 11 mins


Floods are frequent in Australia during the monsoon season. In most cities, it only takes a light shower for the streets to turn into gentle streams, and quickly into raging rivers. If your car was flooded, you’ll know that these conditions are more than just an inconvenience; they can spell disaster for your vehicle.To a car, floods are kryptonite – no matter how convincing some of the ads on TV look. Yes, most cars can manage in a little bit of water (about a foot in height and for a couple of minutes), but staying in deep water for extended periods is a big NO-NO. If your car was damaged in a flood, immediate action is essential to minimise the impact. Nevertheless, since flooding in Australia is as inevitable as Thanos, here are some tips that can help you get out of a wet situation with very minimal damage.

What to do in case your car was flooded?

Ideally, the initial response should have been to turn around and seek an alternative route. However, if you find yourself with a vehicle that is now immobilized in floodwaters, here are the recommended steps to take:

  1. Do not try turning the car on – This cannot be stressed any stronger. Water can damage every single component inside a car including the engine and transmission. If you try to turn the engine on and more water enters, the problem only worsens. When water damages the engine and the pistons don’t compress or move like they normally should, it is called “hydro-lock” and it is extremely common in flooded cars. If your car is hydro-locked, you can expect the cost of repairs to be extremely high and in severe cases, the car could completely be destroyed.
  2. Get as much of the water out – When water remains stagnant for long periods, it is capable of doing extensive damage to anything it comes in contact with. The wiring and mechanical components are the first things that can get damaged so you will have to work fast. If you find puddles of water in your car, you will have to get rid of them as soon as possible. If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, you can remove the puddles quickly or you can use towels to soak up the water and remove it from the cabin. If you are using a vacuum cleaner, make sure it is not a regular one as you could get electrocuted in the process
  3. Keep the car ventilated – Simply removing the water from your car doesn’t solve your problems. Your need to immediately start drying the areas that were flooded. If there is enough sunlight near where your car is parked, simply roll down the windows, open all the doors, and let the heat from the sun work its magic. If there is not sufficient sunlight, you can park your car in an open space and use electric or battery-operated fans to dry out the damp areas. A fan will also help remove any foul odours and keep mould and mildew away. If your car was not severely flooded but the cabin remained wet, you can use the heaters in your car to dry the interiors quickly – just make sure that the engine was not damaged.
  4. Ventilate the car: Once you have successfully removed the water build- up from the cabin and other places in the car, you will have to work just as fast to dry the affected areas. If there is enough sunlight near where your car is parked, simply roll down the windows, open all the doors, and let the heat from the sun work its magic. If there is not sufficient sunlight, you can park your car in an open space and use an electric table or standing fan to dry out the damp areas. A fan will also help remove any foul odours and keep mould and mildew away. If your car was not severely flooded but the cabin remained wet, you can use the heaters in your car to dry the interiors quickly – just make sure that the engine was not damaged.

Step-by-step guide on what to do if your car was flooded

Since the monsoons are already upon us, here are some steps to help you get through the process of resuscitating your flood-damaged car:

  • Step 1: Avoid starting the car when it is flooded as the collected water could cause more and irreversible damage to the engine and other components.
  • Step 2: Once the car is out of the water and on dry land, you should first check out the extent of the damage and assess what needs to be done. You can check if the water level was high enough to enter the car or stopped below the doors. In most cases, insurance companies consider water damage to the level of the dashboard as a total car and will not look for repair work to be done on it.
  • Step 3: If your car insurance policy covers theft and fire, it would also cover flood damage which is a good sign. However, you will have to be extremely thorough when going through the policy as companies could specify what they are willing to repair and what they choose not to. It is best to go over your policy with your agent as the policy can cover everything from floor mats to entire engine changes.
  • Step 4: When the weather brightens up or if you can find a spot where you and the vehicle are sheltered from the rain, you need to start working on drying the car out quickly. Water damage can be extremely severe, especially to metal and electrical components. You should open all doors and windows to allow air to flow through the entire vehicle. This will stop mould and mildew from growing. You can use towels, mops, or dry/wet vacuum cleaners to get rid of the water inside the cabin. If you can, remove the seats and allow them to dry outside the car so that the cabin gets more ventilation.
  • Step 5: Damp surfaces are a haven for bacteria and fungus and this leads to foul odours. After cleaning your car, you will probably have to replace components such as the floor mats, carpets, upholstery, and maybe even the inner door panels as they all absorb water and could encourage the growth of mildew and mould. If the components are not damaged badly, you should use baking soda to deodorize the car before putting everything back.
  • Step 6: Once the cabin is taken care of, you should immediately start working on the engine. First, you need to check if water has entered the oil tank. Using the dipstick, check if there are droplets of water in the oil. If you do find some droplets, you should not start the car as this could break the cylinders inside the engine. The best thing you can do is have a professional mechanic have a look at the problem. In most cases, the fuel tank is emptied out and then the water is removed.
  • Step 7: Electrical components and water are a match made in hell and that is why you need to check all the wiring and connections before you can turn the car on. Once you find that nothing is damaged, you can start checking them one by one. Test the car’s headlights, taillights, power windows, turn signals, power locks, seats, lights in the cabin, air conditioning, infotainment system, and any other components that are connected by wire. You should also test the brakes, clutch, steering, and coolant reservoirs. If any of these components or parts are not working properly, you should get a mechanic to take a closer look at the vehicle.
  • Step 8: If you can, get a professional mechanic to take a closer look at your car and see if everything is in working condition. If it’s not, you have to start the insurance work. An agent from the insurance company will take a close look at your car and evaluate whether it should be repaired or replaced. If the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its worth, the insurance company will most likely consider it as a totalled car. The insurance agent will take your insurance claim along with photographic proof of the damage to the company for further evaluation.
  • Step 9: If you feel that the repair costs for your flood-damaged car are more than what a new car would cost, you have to move forward with choosing a new one. If you are thinking about a used or second-hand car, there are several things you have to consider before you can make the purchase. Ask the previous owner or dealership for the history report of the vehicle so that you know all the important information such as previous owners, repairs, and odometer readings. This will also tell you if the car has been in any accidents or has been damaged by fire or floods previously. Finally, you should also get a mechanic to check out the car to ensure that it is good enough to take home.
  • Step 10: When buying a new car, there is a lot of thought and decision-making that has to go into it. The first thing you have to figure out is your budget. Next, you have to decide on the type of car you want (hatchback, SUV, sedan, etc.). Then, you have to choose the brand you want and see whether they have the colour option you want. With new cars, you have to choose from several different variations as well so it’s best to do a lot of research before you can settle on one car. Also, always have options ready in case you don’t get the car you want at the price you’re willing to pay.

How to clean a car that has water damage?

When it comes to cleaning a water-damaged car, speed is extremely important. The number one thing you have to do is find all the damp spots and get rid of them immediately. Water can cause a lot of harm to all the car components and can eventually leave your car totalled. It is best to remove all the water and dry the vehicle as quickly as possible. Here is what you need to do in case you have a car that has flood damage:

Getting the water out is the number one priority for you when it comes to cleaning a flooded car. If water has collected in the cabin, you can use towels (kitchen or regular) to soak up and remove the excess water. This can also be used to remove water from the seats, carpets, and upholstery.

Once the water is removed, you need to dry out the car as soon as possible. Use electric fans or the car’s heaters to remove any signs of moisture from the cabin. Most importantly, you have to open the doors and windows to allow air to ventilate the car naturally.

After drying out the interiors, you should use an upholstery cleaner to get rid of odours and damp spots. These cleaners are easily available in most stores and can be used with a brush to clean out upholstery properly.

Finally, you should keep an eye open for any signs of leaks or damp patches that may cause the car to smell and even cause the car to rust. If you find any damp patches, you should either fix them yourself or get a mechanic to work on them.

Common problems caused by flooding

Several problems can come with flooding and water damage. Mould, mildew, and foul odours are just the beginning. When water collects around metal, rust is usually the result – especially around the hood, trunk, and door panels. Here are some of the problems you can expect if your car is not attended to in time:

  • Hydrolock – When a car is caught in deep water, hydrolocking is the biggest threat. When water enters the engine through the air intake, it normally causes severe damage to the pistons and cylinders. The worst thing you can do in this situation is turn on the engine – unless you want a completely totalled car.
  • Rust – As mentioned earlier, water and metal do not make for a great combination. Seeing that your car is predominantly made from metal, rusting is a major problem after it has been flooded. Make sure that all metal surfaces, especially those that are exposed, are properly dried or repainted so that rust is kept away.
  • Electrical issues – You should always keep away from the electrical components and wires of your car when it has been water-damaged – until the vehicle is dried out completely. Wires are often the first thing affected by a flooded car and only a professional mechanic should be allowed to work on them for repairs. The dashboard, radio, infotainment system, windows, doors, seats, lights, and even side-view mirrors all use wires for their functionality today and should be tested only when the car is dry and safe to use.
  • Moving parts – The brake, clutch, and accelerator are important parts of any car and they are often also the first to get damaged in a flood. Because these parts are moving components, water can find its way into them easily and damage them quickly. Other moving parts like the starter, pistons, and cylinders are also prone to severe damage in a flooded car. For repairs, a professional should be called in to ensure that nothing is further damaged.

Where do cars usually leak In rainy weather?

Although a car is designed to keep water out successfully, with time, the weather stripping found along windows and doors can get damaged. This results in leaks that allow rainwater into the car and cause damp spots everywhere. If you hear or see evidence of a leak in your car, make sure to find the source of the problem and get it fixed immediately. Even if the leak is small and only allows a drop or two into the cabin, it can build into a larger leak and cause damage to the upholstery, panels, carpets, and electronic components. If the weather stripping in your car has started leaking, you should either replace it with new stripping or clean it with car shampoo regularly.

What to do if your car has flood damage?

As we have already mentioned earlier, flooding can be a major problem for car owners and the repairs afterwards are even more of a headache. So, if you have a car plagued by flooding or if you know of anyone who is going through it right now, here is a vehicle flood damage checklist you should also have prepared.

  • Survey the damage by understanding how deep the floodwaters are.
  • Do not start a flooded car.
  • Either get a towing service to get the car to drier and higher ground or quickly start working on drying out the car to avoid corrosion.
  • Get your insurance company to check out the damages and file a claim for your car.
  • With the monsoon already here, we can expect a lot of rain in the next few months. Driving in these conditions can be quite difficult and you have to be aware of your surroundings when driving.
  • Puddles are very common on roads and are a hazard for all vehicles. It is best to avoid them if possible, but if you cannot, you need to go through them slowly and safely. When you encounter a flooded road or a massive puddle, use these above-mentioned tips and steps to ensure that your vehicle is not totalled.

Conclusion

Coping with flood damage to your car can feel like a lot to handle, but taking quick and efficient action is really important. By following the steps provided—like not starting the engine, getting rid of water, drying the inside, and checking the parts—you can reduce the amount of damage and maybe even rescue your car. It's always a good idea to get a professional mechanic to thoroughly check everything and to review your insurance policy for coverage details. To avoid future problems, make sure to regularly check the weather stripping and fix any leaks right away. With the monsoon season in full swing, being prepared and careful will help you handle tough conditions and keep your car safe from flood-related issues.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my car was flooded and won’t start?

If your car was flooded and won’t start, do not attempt to turn the engine on. Starting a vehicle that has been submerged in water can cause severe damage to the engine, often leading to hydro-lock, which can be very costly to repair. Instead, have the car towed to a dry location and consult a professional mechanic immediately. They can assess the extent of the car flood damage, inspect critical components, and recommend the necessary repairs.

2. How can I tell if my car is damaged in a flood?

A car damaged in flood may show several signs of distress. Look for water marks inside the cabin, particularly above the floor mats and on the seats. Check if the vehicle's electrical systems are functioning properly, as water can cause electrical issues. Additionally, inspect the engine oil for any signs of water contamination, which can indicate severe internal damage. If you suspect your car has been affected by a flood, it's crucial to have it examined by a professional to determine the full extent of the damage.

3. Will my car insurance cover damage from a flood?

Whether your insurance covers flood damage depends on your policy. Many comprehensive car insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by floods. If your vehicle flooded and you have this coverage, your insurance may help cover repair costs or even replacement if the damage is extensive. Review your policy details and contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage, including any exclusions or limits related to car flood damage.


Floods are frequent in Australia during the monsoon season. In most cities, it only takes a light shower for the streets to turn into gentle streams, and quickly into raging rivers. If your car was flooded, you’ll know that these conditions are more than just an inconvenience; they can spell disaster for your vehicle.To a car, floods are kryptonite – no matter how convincing some of the ads on TV look. Yes, most cars can manage in a little bit of water (about a foot in height and for a couple of minutes), but staying in deep water for extended periods is a big NO-NO. If your car was damaged in a flood, immediate action is essential to minimise the impact. Nevertheless, since flooding in Australia is as inevitable as Thanos, here are some tips that can help you get out of a wet situation with very minimal damage.

What to do in case your car was flooded?

Ideally, the initial response should have been to turn around and seek an alternative route. However, if you find yourself with a vehicle that is now immobilized in floodwaters, here are the recommended steps to take:

  1. Do not try turning the car on – This cannot be stressed any stronger. Water can damage every single component inside a car including the engine and transmission. If you try to turn the engine on and more water enters, the problem only worsens. When water damages the engine and the pistons don’t compress or move like they normally should, it is called “hydro-lock” and it is extremely common in flooded cars. If your car is hydro-locked, you can expect the cost of repairs to be extremely high and in severe cases, the car could completely be destroyed.
  2. Get as much of the water out – When water remains stagnant for long periods, it is capable of doing extensive damage to anything it comes in contact with. The wiring and mechanical components are the first things that can get damaged so you will have to work fast. If you find puddles of water in your car, you will have to get rid of them as soon as possible. If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, you can remove the puddles quickly or you can use towels to soak up the water and remove it from the cabin. If you are using a vacuum cleaner, make sure it is not a regular one as you could get electrocuted in the process
  3. Keep the car ventilated – Simply removing the water from your car doesn’t solve your problems. Your need to immediately start drying the areas that were flooded. If there is enough sunlight near where your car is parked, simply roll down the windows, open all the doors, and let the heat from the sun work its magic. If there is not sufficient sunlight, you can park your car in an open space and use electric or battery-operated fans to dry out the damp areas. A fan will also help remove any foul odours and keep mould and mildew away. If your car was not severely flooded but the cabin remained wet, you can use the heaters in your car to dry the interiors quickly – just make sure that the engine was not damaged.
  4. Ventilate the car: Once you have successfully removed the water build- up from the cabin and other places in the car, you will have to work just as fast to dry the affected areas. If there is enough sunlight near where your car is parked, simply roll down the windows, open all the doors, and let the heat from the sun work its magic. If there is not sufficient sunlight, you can park your car in an open space and use an electric table or standing fan to dry out the damp areas. A fan will also help remove any foul odours and keep mould and mildew away. If your car was not severely flooded but the cabin remained wet, you can use the heaters in your car to dry the interiors quickly – just make sure that the engine was not damaged.

Step-by-step guide on what to do if your car was flooded

Since the monsoons are already upon us, here are some steps to help you get through the process of resuscitating your flood-damaged car:

  • Step 1: Avoid starting the car when it is flooded as the collected water could cause more and irreversible damage to the engine and other components.
  • Step 2: Once the car is out of the water and on dry land, you should first check out the extent of the damage and assess what needs to be done. You can check if the water level was high enough to enter the car or stopped below the doors. In most cases, insurance companies consider water damage to the level of the dashboard as a total car and will not look for repair work to be done on it.
  • Step 3: If your car insurance policy covers theft and fire, it would also cover flood damage which is a good sign. However, you will have to be extremely thorough when going through the policy as companies could specify what they are willing to repair and what they choose not to. It is best to go over your policy with your agent as the policy can cover everything from floor mats to entire engine changes.
  • Step 4: When the weather brightens up or if you can find a spot where you and the vehicle are sheltered from the rain, you need to start working on drying the car out quickly. Water damage can be extremely severe, especially to metal and electrical components. You should open all doors and windows to allow air to flow through the entire vehicle. This will stop mould and mildew from growing. You can use towels, mops, or dry/wet vacuum cleaners to get rid of the water inside the cabin. If you can, remove the seats and allow them to dry outside the car so that the cabin gets more ventilation.
  • Step 5: Damp surfaces are a haven for bacteria and fungus and this leads to foul odours. After cleaning your car, you will probably have to replace components such as the floor mats, carpets, upholstery, and maybe even the inner door panels as they all absorb water and could encourage the growth of mildew and mould. If the components are not damaged badly, you should use baking soda to deodorize the car before putting everything back.
  • Step 6: Once the cabin is taken care of, you should immediately start working on the engine. First, you need to check if water has entered the oil tank. Using the dipstick, check if there are droplets of water in the oil. If you do find some droplets, you should not start the car as this could break the cylinders inside the engine. The best thing you can do is have a professional mechanic have a look at the problem. In most cases, the fuel tank is emptied out and then the water is removed.
  • Step 7: Electrical components and water are a match made in hell and that is why you need to check all the wiring and connections before you can turn the car on. Once you find that nothing is damaged, you can start checking them one by one. Test the car’s headlights, taillights, power windows, turn signals, power locks, seats, lights in the cabin, air conditioning, infotainment system, and any other components that are connected by wire. You should also test the brakes, clutch, steering, and coolant reservoirs. If any of these components or parts are not working properly, you should get a mechanic to take a closer look at the vehicle.
  • Step 8: If you can, get a professional mechanic to take a closer look at your car and see if everything is in working condition. If it’s not, you have to start the insurance work. An agent from the insurance company will take a close look at your car and evaluate whether it should be repaired or replaced. If the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its worth, the insurance company will most likely consider it as a totalled car. The insurance agent will take your insurance claim along with photographic proof of the damage to the company for further evaluation.
  • Step 9: If you feel that the repair costs for your flood-damaged car are more than what a new car would cost, you have to move forward with choosing a new one. If you are thinking about a used or second-hand car, there are several things you have to consider before you can make the purchase. Ask the previous owner or dealership for the history report of the vehicle so that you know all the important information such as previous owners, repairs, and odometer readings. This will also tell you if the car has been in any accidents or has been damaged by fire or floods previously. Finally, you should also get a mechanic to check out the car to ensure that it is good enough to take home.
  • Step 10: When buying a new car, there is a lot of thought and decision-making that has to go into it. The first thing you have to figure out is your budget. Next, you have to decide on the type of car you want (hatchback, SUV, sedan, etc.). Then, you have to choose the brand you want and see whether they have the colour option you want. With new cars, you have to choose from several different variations as well so it’s best to do a lot of research before you can settle on one car. Also, always have options ready in case you don’t get the car you want at the price you’re willing to pay.

How to clean a car that has water damage?

When it comes to cleaning a water-damaged car, speed is extremely important. The number one thing you have to do is find all the damp spots and get rid of them immediately. Water can cause a lot of harm to all the car components and can eventually leave your car totalled. It is best to remove all the water and dry the vehicle as quickly as possible. Here is what you need to do in case you have a car that has flood damage:

Getting the water out is the number one priority for you when it comes to cleaning a flooded car. If water has collected in the cabin, you can use towels (kitchen or regular) to soak up and remove the excess water. This can also be used to remove water from the seats, carpets, and upholstery.

Once the water is removed, you need to dry out the car as soon as possible. Use electric fans or the car’s heaters to remove any signs of moisture from the cabin. Most importantly, you have to open the doors and windows to allow air to ventilate the car naturally.

After drying out the interiors, you should use an upholstery cleaner to get rid of odours and damp spots. These cleaners are easily available in most stores and can be used with a brush to clean out upholstery properly.

Finally, you should keep an eye open for any signs of leaks or damp patches that may cause the car to smell and even cause the car to rust. If you find any damp patches, you should either fix them yourself or get a mechanic to work on them.

Common problems caused by flooding

Several problems can come with flooding and water damage. Mould, mildew, and foul odours are just the beginning. When water collects around metal, rust is usually the result – especially around the hood, trunk, and door panels. Here are some of the problems you can expect if your car is not attended to in time:

  • Hydrolock – When a car is caught in deep water, hydrolocking is the biggest threat. When water enters the engine through the air intake, it normally causes severe damage to the pistons and cylinders. The worst thing you can do in this situation is turn on the engine – unless you want a completely totalled car.
  • Rust – As mentioned earlier, water and metal do not make for a great combination. Seeing that your car is predominantly made from metal, rusting is a major problem after it has been flooded. Make sure that all metal surfaces, especially those that are exposed, are properly dried or repainted so that rust is kept away.
  • Electrical issues – You should always keep away from the electrical components and wires of your car when it has been water-damaged – until the vehicle is dried out completely. Wires are often the first thing affected by a flooded car and only a professional mechanic should be allowed to work on them for repairs. The dashboard, radio, infotainment system, windows, doors, seats, lights, and even side-view mirrors all use wires for their functionality today and should be tested only when the car is dry and safe to use.
  • Moving parts – The brake, clutch, and accelerator are important parts of any car and they are often also the first to get damaged in a flood. Because these parts are moving components, water can find its way into them easily and damage them quickly. Other moving parts like the starter, pistons, and cylinders are also prone to severe damage in a flooded car. For repairs, a professional should be called in to ensure that nothing is further damaged.

Where do cars usually leak In rainy weather?

Although a car is designed to keep water out successfully, with time, the weather stripping found along windows and doors can get damaged. This results in leaks that allow rainwater into the car and cause damp spots everywhere. If you hear or see evidence of a leak in your car, make sure to find the source of the problem and get it fixed immediately. Even if the leak is small and only allows a drop or two into the cabin, it can build into a larger leak and cause damage to the upholstery, panels, carpets, and electronic components. If the weather stripping in your car has started leaking, you should either replace it with new stripping or clean it with car shampoo regularly.

What to do if your car has flood damage?

As we have already mentioned earlier, flooding can be a major problem for car owners and the repairs afterwards are even more of a headache. So, if you have a car plagued by flooding or if you know of anyone who is going through it right now, here is a vehicle flood damage checklist you should also have prepared.

  • Survey the damage by understanding how deep the floodwaters are.
  • Do not start a flooded car.
  • Either get a towing service to get the car to drier and higher ground or quickly start working on drying out the car to avoid corrosion.
  • Get your insurance company to check out the damages and file a claim for your car.
  • With the monsoon already here, we can expect a lot of rain in the next few months. Driving in these conditions can be quite difficult and you have to be aware of your surroundings when driving.
  • Puddles are very common on roads and are a hazard for all vehicles. It is best to avoid them if possible, but if you cannot, you need to go through them slowly and safely. When you encounter a flooded road or a massive puddle, use these above-mentioned tips and steps to ensure that your vehicle is not totalled.

Conclusion

Coping with flood damage to your car can feel like a lot to handle, but taking quick and efficient action is really important. By following the steps provided—like not starting the engine, getting rid of water, drying the inside, and checking the parts—you can reduce the amount of damage and maybe even rescue your car. It's always a good idea to get a professional mechanic to thoroughly check everything and to review your insurance policy for coverage details. To avoid future problems, make sure to regularly check the weather stripping and fix any leaks right away. With the monsoon season in full swing, being prepared and careful will help you handle tough conditions and keep your car safe from flood-related issues.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my car was flooded and won’t start?

If your car was flooded and won’t start, do not attempt to turn the engine on. Starting a vehicle that has been submerged in water can cause severe damage to the engine, often leading to hydro-lock, which can be very costly to repair. Instead, have the car towed to a dry location and consult a professional mechanic immediately. They can assess the extent of the car flood damage, inspect critical components, and recommend the necessary repairs.

2. How can I tell if my car is damaged in a flood?

A car damaged in flood may show several signs of distress. Look for water marks inside the cabin, particularly above the floor mats and on the seats. Check if the vehicle's electrical systems are functioning properly, as water can cause electrical issues. Additionally, inspect the engine oil for any signs of water contamination, which can indicate severe internal damage. If you suspect your car has been affected by a flood, it's crucial to have it examined by a professional to determine the full extent of the damage.

3. Will my car insurance cover damage from a flood?

Whether your insurance covers flood damage depends on your policy. Many comprehensive car insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by floods. If your vehicle flooded and you have this coverage, your insurance may help cover repair costs or even replacement if the damage is extensive. Review your policy details and contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage, including any exclusions or limits related to car flood damage.

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