10 tips for repairing flooded cars

The floodwaters are receding, you're picking up the pieces and you realize that one of the pieces is your car, which has been in water up to the steering wheel for the past two days.

Well, there's no way to make that a good thing. But there are some things you can do to make it a little less of a drain on your wallet.

That National Automobile Dealers Association has provided a list of 10 things you can do to make the best of a flooded vehicle.

NADA experts say prolonged exposure to water is probably going to have a negative impact on your vehicle, but these steps will help to limit your loss.

1. Do not start a flooded vehicle until after a thorough inspection and cleaning.

2. Take immediate steps to dry the vehicle as much as possible to reduce the time its components are exposed to water.

3. Contact your insurance carrier or agent, and promptly report the exposure of your vehicle to water or flood.

4. Record the highest level of water exposure on a flooded vehicle. This will aid qualified technicians in evaluating and taking the necessary steps to correct any damage.

5. Contact a certified technician to arrange for an inspection and evaluation of the flooded vehicle.

6. Have a qualified technician inspect all mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, axles, brakes and fuel system for water contamination.

7. Have a qualified technician flush and replace all fluids, oils and lubricants, and replace all filters and gaskets for components exposed to water. While a vehicle may drive with fluids that have experienced water intrusion, extended internal exposure to water will increase the level of damage to the engine and other vehicle components.

8. Many repair facilities recommend a thorough cleaning of brake parts and repacking of bearings, particularly for rear-end drive vehicles. In front-wheel drive vehicles, bearings are sealed.

9. Some of today's vehicles have padding and insulation that do not easily release moisture. In this situation, it is most effective to replace the materials to prevent the forming of mold or mildew that may contaminate the entire vehicle. With mildew, a repair that may have cost only $100 can easily escalate.

10. Have a qualified technician inspect all wiring and electrical components exposed to water. While many components are protected from casual water exposure, extended flood exposure may have lingering effects. In some instances, difficulty due to water exposure will not surface earlier than 90 days, when computer and other electrical components begin to corrode.