When unfortunate cars are buried by rocks and dirt, the lightest damage is when the car becomes damp and moldy, dented, and the worst is when the car is immersed in mud for days.
If the car is only stuck for a short period of time and the mud is just level with the wheels, after cleaning the interior and exterior, cleaning and checking the engine compartment, cleaning the air filters, air conditioning and checking the chassis, the car can operate normally without losing value.
For heavily buried cars, depending on the specific situation, different handling methods will be used, not all cars buried in mud will become “scrap metal”.
Clean the interior first.
The phenomenon of landslides often occurs after heavy rain, so the interior of the car that is buried in mud will likely be soaked and easily cause mold. Therefore, it is necessary to open all car doors for ventilation, dry out stagnant water and moisture, then remove all floor mats for cleaning underneath.
Some fabric or cloth parts need to be cleaned and dried. This needs to be done immediately after removing the car from the landslide area; so if you can’t get to the garage right away, car owners should do it themselves, because the longer you wait, the harder it is to deal with mold.
In addition to fabric, cloth, the metal parts or screws on the doors or seats, or the car floor with rust spots also need to be dried/doused with oil.
Cleaning the interior is not too difficult but requires meticulousness, because moisture can leave long-term consequences.
Check the electrical system and sensors.
Cars buried in damp mud are at risk of developing electrical system issues. Therefore, after the car is removed from the landslide, check the connections, dry them to ensure contact. The sensor system also needs to be thoroughly checked and replaced if necessary.
The electrical system, wires, and some connectors running around the car also need to be checked thoroughly, as long-term exposure to the damp environment can cause oxidation, resulting in malfunctions of electrical and electronic devices in the car.
Check all lighting, air conditioning, sound systems, etc. on the car to promptly handle and ensure that they still work normally after the car is buried in mud.
Engine handling when waterlogged.
This is the most complex and expensive task. Although it is not as serious as when the car is flooded with water, a car buried in mud that covers the hood also needs to be checked and may require “engine repair” before it can be driven.
For new cars, this is truly a disaster, the value of the car is only 1/3 to 1/2 and it is very difficult to sell. However, for used cars that are 10 years or older, the “engine repair” is not too serious, or even if a new engine is needed, it is a good thing to increase the value of the car.
Check the undercarriage and other parts.
If the car has been submerged in mud for a long time, the undercarriage is highly susceptible to rust. Water and mud can also get stuck and affect the moving joints of the suspension system and the steering system.
In addition, a list of some parts that need to be checked after the car is buried: Battery, fuel system, air filters, brake system, air compressor…
According to Dân Trí