Check the brakes before continuing the journey
Brake is the first part to pay attention to after the car passes through flooded areas. Water can reduce friction efficiency in a short time, especially when the brake pads and brake discs are still wet.
After leaving the flooded area and in a safe area, drivers should move slowly, lightly pedal the brakes a few times to assist in drying the braking system. If you feel that the brake pedal is abnormal, the car is off-center when braking or the braking effect does not return to normal, you need to stop the car and take it to a repair facility for inspection.
Pay attention to the engine if the car has ever stalled
This is a situation that needs special attention. If the car stalls while passing through a flooded area, the driver should not try to restart the engine.
Continuing to start the engine in case water has entered the air intake can cause water to enter the combustion chamber, causing water damage and seriously damaging the engine.
For cars that have stalled in flooded areas, the safe option is to move the car out of the dangerous area and contact the rescue unit or repair facility for inspection before restarting.
Check the electrical system and warnings on the instrument panel
Water intrusion can affect the car's connectors, sensors and electrical system. After passing through flooded areas, car owners should pay attention to unusual signs such as warning lights on the instrument panel, electrical equipment running erratically, door locks, electric windows or entertainment systems showing signs of abnormalities.
If warnings related to the engine, electrical system or safety system appear, do not subjectively continue to use the vehicle for a long time but need to check at a specialized facility.
For electric cars, the inspection after the car passes through flooded areas needs to be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Car owners should not arbitrarily disassemble or open parts related to the high-voltage power system.
Not missing the undercarriage, tires and underneath details
Mud, trash or foreign objects can get stuck in the wheel area, under the car after moving through the flooded area. Therefore, car owners should visually check this area when conditions permit.
Tires also need to be checked to detect objects stuck in tire thorns or abnormal signs. If the car shows vibration, strange noise or unusual driving feeling after passing through flooded areas, the car should be taken for inspection.
The interior also needs to be treated soon if water enters the cabin.
If water has flooded into the interior, drying it as soon as possible will help reduce the smell of mold and the risk of affecting the materials inside the car.
In case water is high, seeping into the floor, seats or areas with electrical wiring systems, vehicle owners should take the vehicle to a specialized facility to assess the level of impact instead of removing and installing it themselves.
It's not that if the car still runs, there's no problem
One of the common mistakes after cars pass through flooded areas is to only check when a problem occurs. In fact, some water effects may not be immediately manifested.
If the car has been deeply flooded, water has entered the cabin, stalled while flooded, or noise, warning lights, and abnormal operating sensations have appeared, professional inspection is necessary.
In the rainy season, car owners should proactively monitor the condition of their vehicles after each time they pass through flooded areas. An early check can help detect problems before they become major incidents in subsequent journeys.
