Once known for its pleasant weather, Bengaluru has become Mother Nature’s punching bag. Due to incessant rain, the city comes to a standstill, looking less like a tech hub and more like India’s very own Venice, minus the gondolas.
Caught between state politics and the unforgiving monsoon, the citizens are left in a lurch to negotiate flooded roads. If your vehicle has submerged, don’t hit the panic button. Here are five simple maintenance tips to help you get your soggy car back on track.
1. Do not start the car
This may be stating the obvious, but trust us, the first reaction is to crank up the ignition or press the start button. If you start the car, then there’s a high probability of water entering the engine, transmission and other vital parts. As these components need lubrication to function efficiently, the water will wash away the oil. This causes friction between the parts, which will damage them completely.
2. Remove the water and debris
Once the rain stops, it’s advisable to quickly remove the water inside the car to avoid further damage. After draining out the water, one can use towels to absorb water traces and remove mould in the cabin and boot space. If possible, roll down the windows and leave the door open for ventilation. This will also help in reducing the moisture in the cabin.
After cleaning out the interior, the mud and debris need to be thoroughly wiped away, otherwise, they cause corrosion and damage to the paint.
3. Access the damage
This is a very important step so that you know which parts are damaged in the rain for the insurance company. Take detailed photos of the car’s flood-damaged parts, as these will be used for the insurance claim.
4. Disconnect the battery
Once the car is completely dry, disconnect the battery from its terminals so that electricity doesn’t mingle with water. This avoids any chance of a short circuit.
5. Don’t DIY flood repairs: Call authorised service centre
The next step should be to contact an authorised service centre to have the car towed and repaired by professionals. This is the recommended course of action. Let the professionals thoroughly inspect for any hidden damage, as they will ensure the car is safe to drive.
