PRESS RELEASE
AAA Washington Offers Advice for Owners of Flood-Damaged Automobiles
10 January 1997
AAA Washington Offers Advice for Owners of Flood-Damaged Automobiles
BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 9 -- A car damaged by flood water
should not be started until a thorough inspection and cleaning is performed,
AAA Washington 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 John Milbrath,
Director of Automotive Technical Services.
If the car has been submerged, it may be necessary to disassemble all
mechanical parts for thorough cleaning and lubrication.
"Most vulnerable are the engine, transmission and other components of the
drivetrain," said Milbrath. "Unless these vital parts are completely
restored, contaminants from the flood water will cause premature wear and
shorten the life of the vehicle."
Car owners should contact their insurance company to determine the extent
of coverage before seeking repairs, AAA Washington recommends.
Before attempting to start a flood-damaged car, a qualified technician
should:
* Inspect all mechanical components, including the engine, transmission,
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," Milbrath
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," John Milbrath 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.
Ken Story, Director of AAA Washington's insurance agency added, "Most auto
policies with comprehensive coverage -- rather than collision coverage alone
-- include the peril of flood." Story said insurance companies have been
extremely busy responding to damage claims. "If you are having trouble
reaching your insurance company, your insurance agent may be able to help
initiate contact."
AAA Washington is a not-for-profit travel services organization with
offices in central and western Washington. The organization provides more
than 500,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related
services.
CONTACT: Janet Ray, 206-646-2058, or 800-562-2582, or Kristin Sandberg 206-344-3313, both for Washington State Automobile Association