What Should You Do When Encountering A Flood With Your Ford Vehicle?

Heavy rain can appear fast and leave you with little time to react. When water rises on the road, you must protect yourself and your Ford from damage. We help drivers prepare for these situations at Ken Ganley Ford of Norton.

If you ever find yourself encountering a flood with your Ford vehicle, you should know the right steps to stay safe and limit harm. You can explore new Ford models if your current vehicle suffers severe water damage and you decide to upgrade.

First Steps When Encountering A Flood With Your Ford Vehicle

If you encounter standing water ahead, stop and assess the depth before proceeding. Water that looks shallow may hide deeper currents that can sweep your Ford off the road. If you cannot gauge the depth, you should turn around and find higher ground.

Never drive into moving water because it can knock your vehicle off balance in seconds. If water starts to surround your Ford while you're driving, exit the car if it's safe to do so. Move to higher ground as quickly as possible. If water traps you inside, call emergency services immediately.

Risks Of Driving Through Flooded Roads

Floodwater can damage more than just your engine. When water enters your Ford’s intake, it can cause hydro-lock and bend internal components. Electrical systems may short out if water reaches control modules and connectors. Water can also contaminate transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering systems.

Corrosion starts fast once water enters sealed areas. Even if your vehicle begins after flooding, you should never assume it remains safe to drive. Professional inspections help identify hidden damage that can lead to failure later.

What To Do After Exposure To Flood Water

If your Ford has been in standing or moving water, you should avoid starting the engine. Starting a wet engine can pull water into sensitive areas and increase damage. You should also avoid opening doors until you check the water level around the vehicle. If the interior feels wet, moisture may have reached wiring under the seats and carpets.

Have your vehicle towed to a professional service center where technicians can assess damage and dry components safely. Technicians will inspect fluids, electronics, and mechanical systems to determine the necessary repairs or replacements.

Professional Inspection And Repairs

Flood damage varies depending on depth and exposure time. Technicians will check your Ford’s air intake, exhaust, and undercarriage for signs of contamination. They will test the battery and electrical connections for moisture intrusion. Technicians also inspect brake components because floodwater carries debris that can lodge between the pads and rotors.

If the interior shows signs of water damage, they will remove panels and seats to dry out hidden areas. Technicians replace fluids if contamination occurs to keep your systems clean. Professional care helps protect your Ford from long-term issues that can develop weeks later.

If you ever encounter a flood with your Ford vehicle, we stand ready to help you recover and move forward with confidence. Our trained team can inspect your vehicle and guide you through repair options or help you decide if replacement fits your needs. You can schedule a service with us today to get expert support and keep your Ford ready for every challenge.