Be Car Care Aware

October is the month to be Car Care Aware in and around Atlanta and we wanted to address the issue of potential water damage to your vehicle that was caused by driving through high water. Severe weather, rainfall, and potential flooding is always a concern during rainy months in Atlanta Georgia, and other cities in the USA.

Even if your vehicle was not flooded or completely covered in water, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that you follow the following guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination:

• Check your interior carpet and mats, upholstery, and don’t forget the door and trim panels for dampness. If they are damp, the car needs professional attention. If you just let the carpet dry, it can grow mildew and give off bad odors. Seat brackets, motors, and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation.

We recommend that you do not complete this list on your own unless you have experience with Auto Water Damage. Find a local Atlanta area Auto Repair Center that can quickly diagnose the issue and the damage.

• Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water and the vehicle should be towed to your repair shop. Driving the vehicle with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or repairs. The council reminds motorists that some synthetic differential fluids may appear to be milky, but are not water contaminated. When in doubt, a professional automotive technician should make the evaluation.
• Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.
• Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, and rust. If any of these are present, the vehicle needs to be washed and cleaned as soon as possible.
• Have the brake system checked by an Atlanta professional automotive technician
• Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.
• Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a professional automotive technician as soon as possible.
• Have the suspension joints lubricated, if necessary. Many newer vehicles are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust.

Book Your Inspection

Call Crown Transmissions in Marietta, Georgia for all your Transmission Service and Repair Needs and ask us about Water Damage and what the next steps are if you are experiencing engine damage.

“It all comes down to how much water the vehicle took in and where it reached,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. Follow these simple guidelines, and Be Car Care Aware and you can help minimize the potential for damage to your vehicle.”

*The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.