Hurricane Helene certainly devastated much of the Southeastern states and especially the North Carolina mountains recently. Flooding has wiped out a few of the quaint mountain towns and tourist sites. Newscasts are showing photos of houses flowing down rivers and vehicles submerged in water.
If your car or truck is submerged in floodwaters, there may be extensive damage and costly repairs.
Here are some helpful tips to assess the damage.
Vehicle flood damage checklist
● Survey the damage. Check the depth of the floodwaters in your car. Do not start a flooded car — If there is water in the engine, it can cause more damage.
● Act as quickly as possible.
○ Submersion in salt water — is more damaging than fresh water. The chances of corrosion are much higher. Have your car towed to higher ground and start drying it out. You may need to drain the oil, transmission fluid and lube before towing.
● File an insurance claim. A certified mechanic, along with your insurance agent, will discern how extensive the flood damage may be.
● Below is a checklist for your mechanic to inspect:
○ Check the oil dipstick. Look for water droplets, which could indicate there is water in the engine. If they find water in the engine, the cylinders may be broken.
○ Take the water-damaged cylinders out and check for corroded spots.
○ Change the oil and transmission fluid. Do this again after several hundred miles if the car is not totaled.
○ Check the interior. Water likely made it to the inside of your car If the floodwaters were more than a few feet deep.
○ Remove all moisture inside the car. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water in your vehicle, cloth towels or sponges to absorb water that has soaked into the seats and carpet, and fans and dehumidifiers to assist the drying process.
○ Check the electrical components. The mechanic might need to replace electrical components throughout the vehicle.
○ Check the fuel tank and line. A siphon pump can be used to remove some fuel to see if water is present. If water is found in the fuel, the fuel needs to be emptied and replaced.
○ Once the extent of your vehicle's flood damage is determined, your insurance company will determine the costs to repair the vehicle against the cost of replacing it. If your car is totaled (considered a total loss) by the insurance company, ask questions about the next steps to replace your vehicle and the process to do this.
● The Branded App by Patriot is designed to provide security, establish a direct non-invasive connection to the consumer, and generate ROI. Staying connected to the consumer on a regular basis is the key to staying on top of security, maintaining a relationship, and sending service reminders and coupons. Your dealership can be proactive by performing regular risk assessments that would identify potential risks and apply control measures to limit risk. This could be especially helpful with vehicles that could be potential flood victims.
For personalized strategies to enhance dealership success and foster customer loyalty, reach out to ROI By Patriot at sales@roibypatriot.com or call 833-726-0767.
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