PRESS RELEASE
AAA Publishes Tips for Owners of Flood-Damaged Autos
5 March 1997
AAA Offers Advice for Owners of Flood-Damaged Automobiles
ORLANDO, Fla., March 4 -- Heavy rains in many parts of the
country may mean difficult and expensive automotive repairs for owners of
flood-damaged vehicles, according to AAA.
A car damaged by flood water should not be started until a thorough
inspection and cleaning is performed, AAA warns.
"In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood
water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that forces its
way into every seam and crevice of an automobile," said George Giek, director
of AAA Automotive Services.
If the car has been completely or partially submerged, it may be necessary
to disassemble all mechanical parts for thorough cleaning and lubrication.
"Most vulnerable are the engine, transmission, steering and braking
system," said Giek. "Unless completely removed, dirt and other contaminants
can cause premature wear of vital components and shorten the life of the
vehicle."
AAA recommends car owners contact their insurance company to determine the
extent of coverage before seeking repairs.
Before attempting to start a flood-damaged car, a qualified technician
should:
-- Inspect all mechanical components, including the engine, transmission,
steering system, axles, brake system and fuel system for water contamination.
-- Drain flood water from contaminated mechanical systems and flush with
clean water or a solvent, as appropriate.
-- Drain and replace all contaminated fluids, such as oil, transmission
fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and anti-freeze.
"The car's electrical system also is vulnerable to the damaging effects of
flood water and water-sensitive components may need to be replaced," Giek
said. "Engine computers and other electronic devices can sometimes be
salvaged, but corrosion and oxidation can occur several weeks after the
components are cleaned."
There are many parts of the car that are difficult to clean and dry
because they are virtually inaccessible. Door locks, window regulators,
wiring harnesses, heating and air conditioning components and many small
devices are tucked away in hidden spaces. These items may fail at a later
date because of contamination by dirty water.
"Total restoration of a flood-damaged car can be as extensive and
expensive as restoring a classic car," Giek warned. "Compare the value of the
vehicle to be restored to the cost of restoration before proceeding with
flood-related repairs."
Car buyers in all parts of the United States should be aware that flood
damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale and could be in the
marketplace for many months. Having a vehicle inspected by a qualified
technician and checking its title history will help determine whether it
sustained flood damage.
A tell-tale sign of flood damage on new and used cars is the presence of
dried mud on components under the hood. A damp or musty odor in the trunk or
interior is another warning sign. In older cars, new carpet and upholstery
may indicate flood damage.
AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 motor clubs with more than 1,000
offices providing more than 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
SOURCE American Automobile Association
CONTACT: Jerry Cheske or Mike Morrissey, both of the American Automobile Association,
407-444-8000
