Why You Shouldn’t Drive Through Puddles
Harsh weather and big rainstorms can leave behind giant puddles that can actually damage your vehicle if you drive through them.
Grinding Your Car’s Gears
Avoid damage from driving in puddles altogether by staying out of the rain and not driving during a storm when possible. If your home has a garage or a carport, it’s best that you park your vehicle there to keep it out of harm’s way. You should also park away from trees that may get blown over during a storm and cause damage to your vehicle.
If you have to drive in the midst of a storm, keep in mind that deep puddles of standing water can damage your vehicle, even your transmission, by the water causing your gears to slip.
Stopping and Going are Both Important
If your rotors are hot, exposure to water can actually warp them. Your will feel your vehicle vibrate when applying the brakes. Also, water may invade brake lines and potentially cause your brakes to fail. Water in the brake lines may not appear immediately. You should pump your brakes after rolling through deep puddles to help squeeze water from brake pads.
Damage to your Car’s Interior
It is possible for water to seep into your vehicle’s passenger cabin and potentially ruin your car’s upholstery, the carpets and foam inside the seats. Your vehicle may also include computers in the floorboards or under seats. Water can easily damage these components and create several electrical and electronic problems.
Water Damage Is Sneaky
Water damage to your vehicle may not appear immediately. If water has damaged your vehicle is important that you do NOT start your engine. This may cause even more damage. Have your vehicle towed in to an auto repair shop as soon as possible for a check of its’ systems to be sure your vehicle is performing as it should be.
Call Your Insurance Company
If your vehicle has experienced flood damage, it’s important to contact your insurance company right away to be sure what your policy covers in regards to water damage.
If your vehicle is exhibiting and issues due to water damage, call the experts at AAMCO Overland Park today for the answers to all of your flooded vehicle questions or to schedule an easy appointment for service.
