Has your car being submerged in water? Here is what you need to know
Following the recent heavy downpours in the city, Review spoke to local mechanics about what to look out for
POLOKWANE – An unexpected storm in the city on Saturday afternoon, 12 January, left many cars either driving through high risen water in the streets of Polokwane or submerged in parking lots. This left many motorists wondering what damage had been caused to their vehicles.
Read more: [INFOGRAPHIC] How much rain fell in Polokwane on Saturday?
With this in mind, Review spoke to mechanics, Fred du Plessis and Gerard Mocke, to find out what a car owner should listen/look out for after driving through deep water.
Engine
After driving through deep water, your engine might start acting up. “Keep a look about for idling that has become jittery or for a sudden loss of power combined with funny noises.”
Water contamination in an engine is a serious matter, if you have experienced any of the above, do the following:
*Check your oil dipstick. There will be droplets present on the dipstick if water has somehow found its way into your engine. If the oil is milky as well, it is a clear sign of water contamination.
*Inspect your air filter. If the filter element and air box is wet and there’s water in the air filter, then you most probably have water in the engine. A thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic may be needed.
Brakes
“Everyone knows that braking hard with wet brake pads can be dangerous. After you drove through high water, do not break hard as the brakes tend to slip more and lose their grip, rather tap on the brake pedal a few times before you continue driving. This will allow the contact between the brake pads and drums or rotors to return to its normal, dry state.”
Check all your vital electrical and electronic parts
“Inspect the fusebox to see if all the fuses are intact. Most modern cars have electronical connectors that are water resistant, but its not a guarantee that moisture will not enter. This might cause issues like shorting. If you are not sure, get an automotive electrician to check the unit.”
Other parts include the following:
- Power locks
- Power windows
- Audio and video systems
- Air conditioning
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Rear lights
- Indicators
- Hazard lights
- Interior lights
If anything does not operate the way it’s supposed to, A thorough inspection by a qualified technician/mechanic may be needed.
Interior
Physically inspect your carpeting. “A wet carpet smells real bad and at times water might enter the car’s undercarriage through compromised seals. Remove your mats and wipe your interior down, wet vacuum and airdry or blow dry the car as soon as possible. Most cars’ airbag control modules are also located under the driver’s seat and must be kept free of water.”
Spare tire area and wheel wells
“A place that is often forgotten after a driving through high risen water is the area where you store the spare tire. If you do not dry this area up immediately, rust can form on the bolts that hold your spare securely in place, and any tools that may be stashed there.
Lastly inspect your wheel wells for any debris that may have lodged itself in the suspension. If you cannot pry it loose, have mechanic take a look at it.
Read more: [WATCH] Residents tube down street in Flora Park after storm
