The Hindu Business Line : What to do after you've fished the car out

IN A COUNTRY as vast as ours, cars have to be built to withstand the effects of the whole gamut of weather phenomena from extreme desert heat to bone chilling winters and relentless rains.

The effect of water on the car can be the most damaging and the most expensive to treat.

The corroding effect of moisture in the air is much less complicated and far easier to tackle compared to the effects of water flooding a car. The recent rains and the flooding of Mumbai left in their wake a large number of drowning cars.

Car owners will have to keep in mind a few important points before starting out on the long road to making their cars roadworthy.

Some Dos and Don'ts if your car has been partially or fully submerged.

Dos

Remove the negative terminal contacts of the battery in the car.

Leave the vehicle in the open, preferably under Sun and leave the doors open for venting the interiors.

Contact the nearest authorised workshop or dealership of the car manufacturer.

Get the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician.

Contact the car insurance company before finalising any repairs or replacements.

Dont's

Don't switch on the ignition key or try to crank and start the engine.

Don't let curiosity get the better of you. If you try to start the car, water can enter the engine from the air filter area and repairs could then become even more expensive.

Don't try to push-start the car. Most of the modern multi-point fuel-injected engines just should not be started this way.

Entry of dirt, moisture and other contaminants can damage the engine. This may not be known immediately, but could shorten the life of the vehicle.

Don't try any other short-cuts.

Don't turn on any electrical switches. Moisture in the switches and other electrical components could damage these components.

Remember that though the car looks fine out of the water, the engine, brakes, exhaust, steering components and transmission systems could still be affected.

They will require expert attention before the car can be taken out. So, don't trust the roadside mechanic to do the job for you even if he will only cost you half as much as the company's authorised workshop.

What to expect when you take a flood-damaged car to the mechanic?

In case water has entered the passenger cabin, the carpet and the floor mats will have to be cleaned and, if necessary, replaced.

The seats and the door trims have to be washed with car shampoo to avoid the foul, musty smell that the rubber foam in the seats leaves.

The fuel tank will have to be cleaned to avoid mixing of petrol and water. Mechanical components also have to be checked for mud and grime and re-lubricated.

Exhaust muffler, tail pipe and the catalytic converter have to be cleaned or replaced.

Head- and tail-lamps may need to be replaced as there can be deposition of mud and dirt in the lamp assembly and reflectors.

All contaminated fluids and oils should be replaced, including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and anti-freeze.

Oil, air and fuel filters have to be replaced if water has entered the engine bay.

All electrical and electronic components have to be inspected, cleaned and replaced, if necessary, to prevent any malfunction due to the continued presence of moisture.

A thorough inspection of the central locking and electrical switches in the car should also be done to prevent failures.

The relays and fuses may also need to be cleaned and/or replaced before the car can be taken on to the road.

Most major car manufacturers including Hyundai Motor India, Maruti Udyog and GM India are offering huge discounts on spare parts, labour and service charges for Mumbaikars.

Some have extended similar benefits to car owners who have been affected by flooding elsewhere in the country, too.

The top three car manufacturers have also set up helplines and special service camps in Mumbai to handle the surge in demand for repairs and services.

Handle the repairs to your flood-affected car with a level head. Let not the rains dampen your motoring spirit.