Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water


We are all still reeling from the damage caused by typhoon Ondoy - we have lost lives, houses, livelihoods and properties. Now that recovery has begun, we are looking forward to getting our lives back to normal. My next few posts hopefully bring some hope back - some reassurance that things will be better soon.


What to do when your car is submerged in a flood?




Images of cars and other vehicles floating in flood water or stacked over each other reminds me of the horror that was Ondoy. I was myself praying the water would stop rising on that rainy Saturday night - the water level reached up to our garage where our cars were, but thankfully it stopped right at my car's rear tires.

But a lot of our kababayans are not as lucky. Right now their cars and other vehicles are dead, filled with mud and gunk. But there's hope still. I suggest you show this post to someone you know whose vehicle / car was submerged in the flood water of Ondoy. It just might save him/her his vehicle...

Do you have car insurance?


A big issue on people's minds is car insurance. Unfortunately, normal comprehensive car insurance does not cover acts of God or natural disasters such as typhoons and floods. It is instead, an optional coverage. If you live in an area where flooding is frequent, it would be best to include this in your insurance package next time. It is a bit more money, but if you afford it, it will save you a lot of trouble in the end.

If you don't have flood and typhoon coverage, don't worry, there's hope for your vehicle. Read on and hopefully you can save your vehicles from further damage.

What to do with your car after a flood


I saw an email being circulated with some tips on how to salvage a submerged vehicle/car especially if the car engine was submerged in water. I think this very good information to share. (I just reformatted it a bit).

In line with the recent devastation that our countrymen suffered due to flood, I would like to give some practical tips to those whose vehicles have been submerged in water.
  1. First, don't try to start your vehicle as this might short circuit the electrical connections and damage the computer module, if the vehicle is equipped with one. Let it stay and dry for a day or two.
  2. Disconnect the battery.
  3. Have it towed to your nearest autoshop or if you have a trusted mechanic, have it serviced in your home.
  4. All consumables, meaning, fluids of the vehicle must be drained and changed: engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, steering fluid, water in radiator/reservoir, etc.).
  5. All filters (oil, fuel, transmission etc.) and spark plugs must also be replaced.
  6. Othe parts for replacement will depend upon the inspection and further testing by the mechanic.
  7. Of course, your vehicle will need interior and engine detailing.
I hope these reminders will serve as your guide to prevent any further damage to your vehicle. God bless!

Ronald R. Misa
Motortech, Inc



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19 comments:

  1. hi reyjr., my hub just did; his car's at the shop now.

    so wow, congratulations on having your own domain.:) it just means, it's been too long since i last visited my blogger friends' pages.:)

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  2. Very useful post. Our kababayan needs helpful info like this. I'm exempted though - don't have a car. ",)

    You're doing away with Echo? If you do, can I suggest something? You might be interested in having commentluv installed. Just a suggestion lang po. ",)

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  3. ayos toh, makakatulong ng malaki ito, lalo nat hilo ngayon ang tao..agree ako kay jan. very useful post...simple pero mapapakinabangan post.

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  4. man sorry to hear about all the devastation...we went through a flood when i was a kid...scary...keep you in our thoughts and prayers....

    Recent blog:=- Seeing Red

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  5. Uhm,

    Ano ulit ang tawag sa pinaglalagyan ng "jack?" He he he.

    Okay, since I don't have a car right now, I'll make sure to point your blog to those who would need to know how to deal with their submerged vehicles.

    Z

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  6. Hey Rey!

    Good Thing I don't have a car! Lols! Good Tips Bro!

    Jhong Medina

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  7. Gee, I hope to never experience that kind of flooding. It's scary and upsetting.
    Hope all goes well with you.

    Recent blog:=- Birthday Thoughts

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  8. Dude, these are excellent tips and more importantly, I salute you for trying to help your fellow countrymen. The thought here is what counts and if everybody would do the same, I'm sure that the tragic incident that everyone suffered would be lightened up a little bit. Every bit counts. Kudos

    BTW, I have been in the Insurance Industry for over 15 years, and if you can do the extra effort of paying the optional coverage, I highly recommend to do so. It should not cost a lot more, I think. Not sure about the pricing structure in the Philippines.

    Recent blog:=- DiTesco's iBlogZone Is For Sale

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  9. Sorry about that. We will get back up again bit by bit eh?
    I just called towing service for my friend's car. They're up to their necks in service requests too.

    [thanks for visiting again fren, :D it's nice to see you again.]

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  10. ;) At least now you know LJ. In case your apo's car get submerged in flood, you'll be the Lolo to save the day.

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  11. Tama ka Ever, I don't want to take credit for it though. It was Ronald Misa who came up with these tips. They're simple and very useful, I agree. :)

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  12. Thank you Brian. If you or you know people who want to give donations for the victims, there are numerous agencies accepting donations like The Philippine Red Cross.

    Thank you for your prayers.

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  13. What happened to your car?

    I can imagine if my car was submerged in that flood, I would be devastated.

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  14. Thanks Jhong! I think so too. Good tips that is.
    Maybe you can forward this to neighbors who have a car. Sayang naman kung lumala pa ang sira.

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  15. Thanks Auntie - have you seen photos? If you look closely, you might see me in one of them.

    It is indeed scary and traumatic. Something I never want to see again in my life. :(

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  16. Great recommendation DiTesco. Hopefully people will read your comment and will consider it. I am thinking of doing the same for my car insurance renewal next month.

    Recent blog:=- Dealing with a vehicle submerged in flood water

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  17. welcome. thanks, too.:)

    be back for more readings. and 'try to catch up.:)

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  18. I'll do that. :) Can you also post tips how can I get a car? hahaha. I been dreaming to drive one... hmhhh (sigh) How I wish I could have one soon? Daming gastusin eh...

    Recent blog:=- Give Back What Typoon Ondoy Took Away

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  19. I was somewhat shocked when I saw the footage online. So much water and mostly it's the poor people that had to suffer the worst.

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