Because of the recent floods that has hit our country, I became curious as to what would happen to the hundreds of vehicles that were submerged in the flood waters. It didn’t matter if it was a rickety old thing or one of those flashy truck accessories loaded sports vehicles. I was talking to a friend earlier and they almost didn’t get home that fateful Saturday when Ondoy struck. Thank God their car didn’t stall and they got through the floods and arrived at their home safely. For those who are not as fortunate, here’s a checklist to go through to check your vehicle (courtesy of autobodyonline.com). Hope this helps:

Flood Damaged Vehicles Repair Checklist

1. Check Dipstick For Water
2. High oil levels on the dipstick and water bubbles in engine oil, or if red atf fluid turns pink, water has entered the system.
3. Pull Passenger’s Floor and Trunk Plugs if so equipped. Wash all mud and silt out of passenger and trunk compartment.
4. Remove Carpets, Seats and Interior Trim Panels and dry them or replace them. (Foam types usually don’t dry.) (Drying can be done by using your heated spray booth for one or two nights.)
5. Remove Spare Wheel jack and handle, clean it; use WD-40 on screws holding it.
6. Remove Door Trim Panels and check window motors; use WD-40 on them, grease regulator pivots and check door speakers!
7. Grease Door Hinges.
8. Check Battery & Terminals; clean terminals and grease them. Clean under the battery especially if its located in the trunk or under the seat.
9. Look For Computers, Equalizers, Alarms (lo-jack) or other “black boxes” under seats.
10. Check Airbag Sensors under seats and seat belt retractors, and dry them. When re-installing seats, grease tracks and use WD-40 on seat motors and the belt retractors.
11. Clean Debris off Radiator, A/C condenser and Aux. Fan/Motor Assembly.
12. Blow Out Starter Motor with air.
13. Pull Plug in Differential and check for water.
14. Check Muffler For Water.
15. Re-Pack Wheel Bearings Grease suspension and steering when applicable.
16. Shampoo Carpets, Seats and Interior.
17. Re-Connect and Re-Set ABS and Main Computers. Run diagnostic on airbag computer.
18. Re-Set Radio Codes.
19. Detail Exterior and Engine Compartment.
20. If The Car Has Been Kept Closed For Over A Day, spray all the metal panels and upholstery with Lysol to kill the bacteria and odor.

• AIR BAG EQUIPPED VEHICLES
• Volvo warns that if a car has been in a flood, an attempt to start it could inadvertently deploy the air bag. Other air bagged cars could also be affected. Check with the dealer.
• FOR HIGHER WATER LEVELS
• Change oil and filter, check relays and sensors. Pull spark plugs and crank engine; oil spark plug treads and cylinders prior to starting engine; check spark plug wires for arcing. Check power steering and brake fluids.