PENANG, Kedah and parts of Perlis were hit by floods over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction across the northern states.
Apart from leaving more than 10,000 people displaced, the floods also saw numerous cars and other vehicles stranded in flood waters.
Inundation in water can seriously damage the engine, electrical system and interior of a car. So what should you do if you happen to find yourself stuck in the same situation?
Here are some steps you may want to consider if your car was trapped in the flood:
1. Don’t try to start your car
Your first instinct may be to start your car to test if it is still working. Avoid this as starting the car can wreak havoc on the engine and damage it beyond repair.
2. Determine how high the water reached
If you left your car parked and came back and found it partially submerged, determine the level the water reached by looking for a waterline on the interior or exterior of the car. If water breached only the lower door sill, it may be still safe to start the car and drive off.
3. Check oil and air cleaner
If water gets into the air filter or engine oil, you should avoid starting the engine. Call a tow truck to tow your car to your mechanic.
4. Check all other fluids
Muddy water can get into power steering, brake, clutch and coolant reservoirs. Check these fluids to ensure water has not seeped into them, causing further damage to the car.
5. Check all electrical system
Once you have determined that it is safe to start your engine, check all electrical components; headlights, turn signal, power locks and everything else to conclude the extent of the damage you may face.
6. Remove external debris surrounding your car
After you have come to a decision that it is safe to start you car and go on your merry way, check the surrounding area of you car, some debris may have been lodged around the underbody, wheels and breaks.
7. Dry out your car’s interior
Open the doors and air out your interior. Muddy water can leave a foul stench that can stick to the interior for months, so you may want to remove the carpet and seats and have them cleaned at the local car wash.
8. Check if you have flood insurance
Check your insurance policy to see if flood is covered. Standard car insurance policies usually do not cover floods.