Tech Talk

Effects of driving through flood water

Recent rain on the Sunshine Coast brought a 2005 model Volvo to our workshop after it travelled through knee deep water. It ingested water into the air intake system which in turn failed the engine instantly. This is a $10,000 exercise to fit a second-hand engine.

The wet weather may in time affect more sunshine coast residents that have driven through low-level floodwater.

Many cars have experienced faults where the water hasn’t been ingested into the engine BUT the wiring harnesses, automatic transmission, drivelines would have taken on the water. These particular items may not fail straight away, it is in three to six months time that major driving problems become evident.

It is advisable to service the car and have your vehicle checked after driving through even the smallest amount of flood water.