How to Repair a Car With Water Damage
A car does not have to be totally submerged to suffer damage from water. A heavy rain or snow storm or driving through floodwater can cause it. Some water damage is easy to spot, while some can be hidden. However, left untreated it can be very dangerous and essential systems, such as brakes, may not work properly. Inspect your car if you suspect there is a chance of water damage.
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Instructions
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Put the car up onto a jack and remove the wheels. Allow the area to dry completely, then check that the brake pads and shoes are not damaged. If they are, they have to be replaced immediately. If you suspect damage to the braking system, you should not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired.
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Check whether the engine fluids and oil have been diluted. Look for droplets of water on the dipsticks or check the color of brake fluid, coolant and oil because they will appear milky if they have been contaminated. If water has affected any of them, you should not drive the car until the liquid has been drained and replaced.
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Drain and change the coolant if the car was submerged because the coolant will almost certainly have been compromised. While this isn't a direct threat to the operation of your car, if you live in a cold climate, the diluted coolant could freeze and crack the engine block.
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Clean the carpeting if it smells musty and allow it to dry. However, chances are the smell will linger, so you will probably have to replace it.
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Lubricate the door hinges. They can become stiff and noisy if they have been in water.
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Get a rust removal product if water has caused rust spots. Follow the instructions that come with the product to repair the damage, then touch up the paint with a color that matches the original. If the damage is more severe than a few spots, you may need to take your car to a paint shop to be resprayed.
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- Photo Credit Car image by cacheman from Fotolia.com
