ehicles submerged in and damaged by fl oodwater can be a problem of great signifi cance for fl eet maintenance personnel. Taking the necessary time and putting in the requisite amount of eff ort to carefully inspect and assess a fl ooded vehicle for damage can help fl eets determine if a vehicle is safe to operate and what its value will be moving forward. Being exposed to signifi cant amounts of fl oodwater puts a vehicle’s short-term and long-term reliability in question. According to DMV.org, a website designed to provide information on behalf of local DMVs around the country, while cosmetic and surface-level damage can be addressed, fi xing a fl ooded engine and salvaging damaged components are near-impossible tasks. More simply stated, fl ood-damaged vehicles are oft en deemed a total loss. Rust and corrosion are very likely to occur as a result of a vehicle’s exposure to fl oodwater, putting fl eets at great risk for costly repairs down the road, says DMV.org. In addition, the presence of rust on a vehicle can indicate water damage. Rust found on the inside of a vehicle is especially concerning, as it does not occur as a byproduct of typical wear and tear. Interior Damage And Floodwater-Exposed Fabrics Assessing the interior of a vehicle and searching for a damp, mildewy scent and the presence of watermarks – on rugs, upholstery, ceiling fabric and seat belts – is an indicator of water damage. Carefully checking for dampness on the interior fabrics of a vehicle is critical toward assessing potential problems caused by fl oodwater, according to offi cials at the Car Care Council, a non-profi t organization dedicated to educating motorists about the importance of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair (www.carcare.org). If allowed to dry on their own, they say, the fabrics will quickly grow mildew and give off foul odors. In addition, seat brackets, motors and modules should also be inspected for the presence of rust and to determine whether or not they are properly operating. Testing the functionality of electrical components located in the interior of a vehicle can also uncover signs of water damage. Maintenance personnel should be sure to test out every electrical element on a vehicle, including its windows, turn signals, emergency fl ashers and air conditioning. Engines Any eff ort to repair an engine of a vehicle that has been submerged in water is a tall task, and it is one that can put the health of maintenance personnel at risk. Because fl oodwater contains a APRIL 2017 | VehicleServicePros.com 23 V By Mike Schmidt, Managing Editor Time and eff ort are key to salvaging a vehicle exposed to fl oodwater Page 24 MAINTENANCE & SERVICE » Rust and corrosion are very likely to occur as a result of a vehicle’s exposure to floodwater, putting fleets at great risk for costly repairs. Photo from iStock
FleetMaintenance_April_2017
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