PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What should you do after driving through water?
My neighborhood was hit with some heavy rain and I drove my car through the floodwater. I’m worried I’ve permanently damaged my car. What should I do?
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear your neighborhood was flooded. After driving through water, it’s important to check to make sure your vehicle’s brakes are working correctly, observe your engine’s behavior, and check the electrical parts.
Here’s a complete rundown of what to do after driving through water:
- Check your brakes: Water can damage your brakes, so be sure to tap on your brakes to test them. This is best to do immediately after driving through water.
- Observe your engine: Is your engine idling in a jittery manner? Is it making strange noises? These are signs that might suggest your engine has been damaged by the water.
- Check electrical parts: If your car is behaving erratically, it could also be an electrical problem. It’s worth having a mechanic check things out.
- Inspect your carpeting: Remove your floor mats and check for moisture. Don’t ever let water remain in your car—wipe it up or dry it out as soon as possible.
It’s usually best to have your car inspected for water damage by a pro. Best of luck!
If you do need to get a new car, the
Jerry
app can help you save heaps of money on car insurance
. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across insurance companies, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies