P.O. Box 632 Findlay, Ohio 45839 Phone: 419-420-9327

Car Care Tips
High Water - How to Save Your Car
By Mark Kutscher
Feb 29, 2008, 21:41

"It is hard to believe that I am writing another flood article.  I hope that this advice is not needed and that everyone got their car out of harms way."

Water and oil do not mix! I had first hand experience last December with saving a flooded car.  My friend Mike had a car that I've tried to buy from him for the last 6 years.  He called me and said," it was in the flood up to the dash.  If you promise to save it, you can have it." 

I did save it and had it running in a few days.  This is what we did to save it:

ENGINE
" Changed the oil several times
"Removed the spark plugs before we cranked the engine to prevent hydro lock
"Changed the wet air filter

TRANSMISSION
"Changed the trans fluid

DIFFERENTIAL
"Changed the fluid

ELECTRICAL
"Removed covers of fuse box and let dry

INTERIOR
"Removed the carpeting and rinse & vacuumed
"Removed the seats and rinsed until clean
"Washed all surfaces with soap & water with towels

Floodwaters are full of silt and toxic contaminates.  Safety is your first concern.  You should wear protective gloves, glasses and a mask.  Before you start any of the above, I would suggest pressure washing everything clean with an antibacterial detergent.  One cut can make a person very sick.

Time is crucial in saving your car.  Even if you just drove through water, your differentials and oil should be changed.  Water and silt with destroy mechanical components in a very short time.

Good luck, and safe driving!
Mark Kutscher