New Zealand's North Island has been hit rampaged by floods over the last week, with weather warnings continuing for the coming days.
Some of these have forced evacuations and caused significant damage to property, including vehicles.
Water damage to vehicles can cause issues later down the track, so it is good to know whether your car has fallen victim to the storm.
Some of these pointers can be caused by things other than flooding though, so take that into consideration.
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It's important to get your car checked over by a mechanic if you're concerned.
Here's how you can spot water damage on your vehicle
First, be on the lookout for rust
When water (particularly salt water) gets into places it's not meant to, it can touch metal surfaces that aren't designed to get wet and therefore cause oxidisation. While these rust patches could be rather small, it can get worse overtime. So take any rust seriously.
Make sure you check over these spots for signs of rust and water damage:
- Brake parts
- Suspension components
- Steering components
- Frame
- Bolts and screws
- Clips
- Brackets
Check for mould
Rust might not be the only thing growing inside your car if it's been impacted by flooding. Any absorbent materials inside the vehicle could be impacted by mould. Especially if it's been left wet for some time.
Check:
- Carpets
- Carpet mats
- Fabric seats
Are there any unusual or unpleasant smells?
Flood water can be pretty nasty. It can pick up all sorts of bugs, rubbish, and debris from the ground. Mould is usually pretty smelly itself, but even if mould hasn't started growing, there could be other bugs and odours building up.
Electronics and connections could be damaged
Electronics and water don't mix well. Especially if they've been wet for periods of time. It's best to get these checked over by a mechanic, particularly if you see signs of physical damage.
Look for water lines and marks
Sometimes water lines and marks can be quite obvious. You can find these inside the vehicle on carpets, seats, and door interiors. Or they could be visible on the exterior of the car. These can be a sign there's more damage elsewhere.
After you've checked over the car, make sure to take it to a trusted mechanic
If you're at all concerned, it's best to let an expert take a look. Especially if there's damage to the electrics! They'll let you know whether the car's worth fixing (and how big of a job it'll be), or if it's a write-off. It's always better to address your concerns sooner rather than later so that they don't get worse.