Car Affected by Flood? Don't Worry, Here are Easy Tips to Take Care of It!

Heavy rain has been pouring over Jakarta and its surroundings in recent days. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the peak of the rainy season and extreme weather will occur from February to March. One of the common problems that arise is flooding, which sometimes inundates the main roads.  Drivers are advised not to recklessly drive through it. It is better to find an alternate route that is not flooded to avoid damage to the engine.

Now, it's a different story if you have already driven through or your car is submerged in floodwater while parked. Flooding is indeed a nightmare for some vehicle users. But don't worry, this time Tips Sahabat has special tricks to care for your car that has been affected by flooding to prevent more significant problems.

Immediately Disconnect the Battery Cables When Your Car is Flooded

The most important thing when affected by flooding is to disconnect the battery cables first, so your car will be spared from the risk of short circuits that could damage the electronic components inside. Especially if your car is a newer model that is fully automatic and heavily relies on electrical systems.

Dry the Components

Ignition components that you need to pay attention to, such as spark plugs, carburetors, alternators, air filters, coils, and cables, are also quite vulnerable to damage if exposed to flooding. Therefore, it is best to dry these components thoroughly, and you can also use a hair dryer to dry them. Also, check if they can still function normally or if there are other issues. If you are not careful and these ignition components do not function optimally, your car will be very prone to stalling.

Change the Oil

Car engines are basically designed to be waterproof, and all engine covers are protected by heat-resistant sealants, so if submerged in floodwater, the likelihood of water entering the engine is minimal. However, this does not apply if the car has previously experienced overheating, causing the engine jacket to warp and lead to leaks in the combustion chamber. Water can also enter through the car's air intake, causing the car to stall easily. For this case, check the oil stick. If the oil is contaminated with water, it will usually change color. Therefore, it is advisable to change the engine oil and differential oil after being exposed to flooding to reduce the risk of damage.

Drain the Fuel Tank

Draining the tank is very important because water that enters the tank and mixes with gasoline has the potential to cause rust in the fuel tank. If this happens, it will disrupt the ignition system and make the fuel tank corrode, leading to leaks in the long run. Don't worry, draining the tank is easy; just insert a small hose to the bottom of the tank and siphon until the fuel flows out completely. Be careful not to swallow the gasoline.

So, avoid fatal damage to your car with proper handling. Just follow the solutions for caring for a flood-affected car mentioned above to keep your car safe from the risk of severe damage.

Read also: How to Drive an Automatic Car During Floods to Keep the Car Safe