FLOOD DAMAGE tO CARS IS uSuALLy IRREPARABLE
The kind of flooding that hit southern Alberta recently can have a devastating effect on cars and trucks.
Hundreds of vehicles are expected to be written off after being immersed in flood water. Even vehicles driven just partially into deep water can suffer severe damage.
“If there is evidence the vehicle was submerged in water at or above the bottom of the dash, the vehicle will be considered non-repairable and it cannot be licensed in the province,” says the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC).
The damage to the drivetrain, the computer and electrical system is what renders these vehicles irreparable. When attempts are made to put a flooded vehicle back into service, chronic problems with the electrical system often result.
These can range from nuisance problems such as power windows that don’t work to potentially deadly ones such as airbags that fail to deploy in a crash, or deploy without warning.
Bruce Stewart, who operates Bruce Stewart Auto Repair in Edmonton, cautions against trying to start flooded vehicles. Shorts and damage occur each time the ignition key is turned, so it’s best to disconnect the battery to prevent this.
Vehicles that stalled after being driven into deep water may also have suffered engine damage, Stewart says.
If water is drawn into the engine through the air intake, it creates hydrostatic lock, since it cannot be compressed like the air-fuel mixture. The sudden stop causes damage which can include bent or broken connecting rods, damaged bearings and broken cylinder heads or engine blocks. Damage often is severe enough that the engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
Problems with a vehicle’s electronics and electrical system may not show up immediately, but can present recurring problems for the driver.
Consumers should watch for any clues that a vehicle has been flooded.
Kee says that these can include water stains, sand or silt, a mildew smell, rust or grit in the spare tire well and condensation in lights.
He adds that owners of vehicles damaged in the southern Alberta flooding should contact their insurance company. It’s still too early in the process to know how many vehicles are involved.
Written-off vehicles are sold at salvage auctions so recyclers can strip them down for re-usable parts.