A serious flood can damage your car and cause it to be written off. However, your car doesn't have to suffer the same fate if the flood damage is minimal and you start the mitigative effects as soon as possible. Here are some of the tips you can use to limit the damage floods can do to your car:

Don't Start the Car

The first thing you should know is that you shouldn't drive the car or even start the engine if you suspect flood damage. Starting the car will get the electricity flowing in the electrical components and the fuel flowing through the fuel lines and engine. That can damage your car's electronics and engine due to the flow of water throughout those systems; in fact, disconnect the battery as soon as possible to prevent the flow of electricity.

Remove All Items from the Interior

It helps to remove all loose items or anything that can be detached from the car's interior and dry them outside. Take out the seat covers, carpets, plastic trims, and the consoles, among others. Such items can trap wet debris and water and prevent the car from drying out fast. Taking them out of the car, and then opening all the doors and windows, also helps with proper air circulation through the car, which also hastens the drying process.

Dry All Surfaces

The next thing is to do the actual drying of the car. Dry all the surfaces that might have been exposed to the water. Here are some of the drying tips to try:

• Use a wet-dry vacuum to suck up the water
• Use a towel to blot out the wet surfaces
• Use an electric fan (avoid heaters since they can damage your car's interior)
• Sprinkle baking soda and then use a dry vacuum to clean the car; this will also get rid of the smell

Replace the Affected Components

Despite your best cleaning attempts, you will have to replace some of your car's components such as:

• The oil and oil filter; these need to be changed because they may introduce water into the engine and cause damage
• Interior fixtures, such as seat padding, that are too wet to replace
• The oil and oil filter; these may introduce water into the engine and cause serious damage

The above are just the temporary measures to mitigate the damage before it becomes too serious. Ultimately, you need to have the car's vital components checked to confirm that they weren't damaged by the flood. Some of the components that need checking include the pedals, emergency brakes, dashboard indicators, among others. This final check is best handled by a professional mechanic.

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