In the Philippines, Toyota Wigo and other similar vehicles are ideal for those who like compact cars. They don’t take up too much space, are more or less easy to manoeuvre in traffic, and aren’t gas guzzlers. The downside for smaller cars is that they’re really tricky to manage in flood waters and, if the driver isn’t careful, it could end up submerged.
In an event wherein your vehicle is submerged in floodwater, panicking is not the right answer. Here are some of the best tips that we can give you.
Don’t: Start your car
The first thing you might want to do is to start the car to check if it still starts. That’s also the wrong thing to do. This could actually cause more damage to your vehicle. For example, electric current can flow and affect unprotected areas in your car, if its electric system is wet. Starting the car may cause the water stuck in your engine or the transmission can spread throughout the car’s system.
Do: Determine how much your car has been submerged
Floodwaters– which contain debris and mud– often leave a mark or a waterline in the outside and the inside of your vehicle. Check just how deep your car has been submerged. If it only reached the bottom of your doors, then that could mean your car has not acquired any permanent damage whatsoever and can still be salvaged. If it reached the mark reaching the bottom of your dashboard, it can mean your car has been economically damaged beyond repair.
Don’t: Defer contacting your insurance provider
Remember that contacting your insurance company means that your car will be fixed in no time. This is especially true if you have a complete insurance plan. The company may cover the damages on your vehicle, even if it has been completely totalled. Again, this depends on the type of insurance plan you have in place and how far along you’ve come with the payment.
Do: Check your oil and your air cleaner
It is important to check if your car has water droplets on its dipstick or if it has a high oil level all of a sudden. This can cause you all problems, particularly if you try to start your engine. Having water in your air cleaner can also mean the same. If you see this happen to your vehicle after it was submerged in floodwaters, then it is best to contact a tow company to bring it to a mechanic.
Don’t: Leave the car’s interior to dry by itself
The last thing you want to happen to your car after it was submerged in floods is for mildew to start forming. Once it is safe to start your engine, park your car in a sunny area and then open your doors and remove the floor mats. This is to dry out the interior faster. Take note that delaying the drying and the cleaning of your interior could result into wiring and electoral damages. Erosion can also happen due to humidity.
Do: Check for electoral trouble
It is essential for you to check all the electrical components of your vehicle after you are sure that it is fine to start your engine. Check its transition shifts and how it runs after being flooded.
The best decision to make is to take it to a qualified mechanic or a technician to ensure the car has any lingering damages after being submerged. Remember to follow these tips avoid further damages.
