07/02/2012

With Queensland’s wet season far from over, the State’s peak independent motoring body is warning motorists that cars affected by flood waters could have serious defects, jeopardising reliability and safety.

Last week, RACQ rescued more than 21,000 motorists, with wet weather causing havoc across the State.

RACQ Executive Manager Technical and Safety Policy, Steve Spalding, said water damaged vehicles should be checked by a mechanic.

“Although modern cars can handle a wide range of operating conditions, if water reaches the lower levels of the doors it should not be driven until a mechanic gives the go-ahead,” Mr Spalding said.

“Motorists whose cars were submerged or received significant flood damage over the last few weeks should seek advice from their insurer,” he said.

Potential damage to cars caused by flood waters includes:

• Water in mechanical components such as the transmission or final drive unit can affect oils and lead to expensive failures
• Water in the cabin can affect complex electrical systems, such as engine management, transmission operation and other primary control systems
• A build up of debris under the vehicle can damage mechanical components or lead to clogging of cooling systems and overheating
• Contaminated fluids damage key components such as steering and brakes
• Water in the engine bay can contaminate oil and lead to severe and expensive damage
• Fuel tanks contaminated by water stop the vehicle from running – diesel fuel systems are particularly sensitive to water contamination.
• Corrosion to  electrical connections and components giving long-term reliability problems

Please call RACQ’s Technical Advisory Service on 1800 623 456 during business hours or visit www.racq.com.au/factsheets for more information.