Floodwater Damage and Your Vehicle: What You Need to Know
Here in Louisville, we have experienced historic flooding when waters of the Ohio River spilled over its banks. And though flooding can wreak havoc on our communities, it can also wreak havoc on our cars or trucks. In fact, even a few inches of water can cause extensive and costly floodwater damage that may not be immediately obvious.
So, if vehicle was partially submerged or you just drove through high water, it’s important to act quickly to prevent long-term issues. Therefore, in this post, the experts at Meineke in Louisville explore how floodwater affects your vehicle and the steps you should take if your car or truck has been exposed.
So, What Can Floodwater Damage Do to Your Vehicle?
Floodwater can impact every major system in your car or truck, especially if water gets above the undercarriage. So, let take a look at how:
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Electrical System Damage: Water can corrode wires, sensors, and onboard computers. And this can cause your electronics to fail suddenly or over time.
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Engine Contamination: If water enters the engine through the air intake, it can lead to hydrostatic lock. And this can destroy the engine.
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Brake and Transmission Issues: Flooding can wash away brake fluid or damage seals. And this reduces braking power and causes shifting problems.
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Mold and Mildew Growth: Prolonged moisture inside the cabin can lead to musty odors and health hazards.
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Rust and Corrosion: Water accelerates rusting on both visible and hidden metal parts, especially under the car.
What to Do if Your Vehicle Has Been in a Flood
If your car or truck has been exposed to flooding, don’t try to start it right away. Instead:
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Disconnect the Battery: Prevent short circuits by cutting off power immediately.
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Document the Damage: Take photos for your insurance company before cleanup begins.
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Dry It Out: Open windows, remove mats, and use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
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Schedule a Professional Inspection: Call Meineke in Louisville so they can check for hidden damage in your vehicle’s engine, brakes, electronics, and transmission.
Don’t Let Floodwater Damage Ruin Your Car or Truck
Flood damage can be silent but severe, so don’t take chances with your safety or your car’s reliability. So, bring your vehicle to Meineke on Dupont Road in Louisville for a full post-flood inspection to catch issues early and keep you safe on the road.
If the Meineke on Dupont Road in Louisville is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke also has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:
Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy
5326 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548
Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457
Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541
Meineke Car Care – East Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820
Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216
Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526
Meineke Car Care – Plantside Drive
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765
Meineke Car Care – South Dixie Blvd
2197 South Dixie Blvd
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889
Meineke Car Care – North Dixie Hwy
1400 North Dixie Hwy
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844
Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659
Meineke Car Care – West Hwy 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212
Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290
Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010
Meineke Car Care in Louisville, KY
