No matter how careful we are with the ownership of our vehicles; when nature takes its toll, all our defenses turn out to be useless. Having said that, some water-damaged vehicles can be restored, although the task is better left to professionals. If you think you have the skills and resources needed to restore a water-damaged car to its former glory, this article is for you. Read on, as we present some tips to help restore water-damaged vehicles. Read on.
NOTE: As stated earlier, repairing water-damaged vehicles calls for professional expertise, and the task must not be undertaken unless you are knowledgeable about car components.
Don’t Try to Start the Car
When a car is water-damaged, the last thing you want to do is try to start it without completely drying it out. Trying to start a water-damaged car can not only cause short circuits, it can also damage various components inside the car, including the engine and transmission. When you try to start the engine, it allows more water to enter the cylinder, and can result in what is called “hydrolock”, a state wherein the pistons don’t move at all or move abnormally.
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Drain the Water as Quickly as Possible
While you may have to wait some time for Mother Nature to give you a chance, bear in mind that the longer you allow the water to be in the car, the more damaging it can get. You can start by draining whatever water you can get out by opening all doors, and after that, use a “wet dry vacuum cleaner” to remove the residual water. Please note that should you use a vacuum cleaner, make sure that you use a “wet” one that is designed to handle liquids and be careful not to get electrocuted.
Remove the Mats and Upholstery
If the car has been heavily flooded, chances are that it will develop mold and fungus pretty soon. It is, therefore, best to remove the mats, seat covers, and other removable upholstery, wash them thoroughly, and also use a disinfectant. Once you have removed the upholstery, keep the windows rolled down to allow passage of air and maybe even sunlight, if the sun has come out. If there is not much air or sun to dry out the car, you can use a table or standing fan.
The Last Word
While the above steps can help with the restoration of a mildly flooded car, for the ones with serious damage, it might not be worth your time to try to restore it to its former glory. Heavily water-damaged cars are generally used as either donor cars or end up in junkyards where they are crushed to be recycled. If you are looking for water-damaged cars for sale, the search ends at AutoBidMaster. Participate in our water-damaged vehicles auction and take your pick from an array of water-damaged cars for sale, all going at unbelievably low prices. If you have any questions, simply call +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, 04:00 AM to 04:00 PM (Pacific Time).
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