ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As flash floods continue to challenge the Rockford area, experts are sounding an alarm about the hidden dangers posed to vehicles caught in deep water.
What may seem like a minor puddle during heavy rain can quickly submerge a car, leading to complex and costly damage.
“If the water gets to the bottom of the door sills, in the engine compartment, there’s a tube that pulls air into the engine,” said Joe Vettore, district manager at GreatWater 360 Auto Care in Rockford. “If that ingests water, it can get into the air filter and, in worse-case scenarios, lock up the engine.”
Even if a car starts and drives fine after flooding, critical damage may lurk beneath the surface.
“There’s a lot of electronics on the floors of automobiles these days, and water can affect them long-term, down the road,” Vettore added.
The consequences can emerge months later, with warning lights like anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitors, check engine, or transmission indicators suddenly illuminating.
“You don’t know you have a problem until things start to corrode,” Vettore said.
Rockford Brenda Dupree was caught in a flash flood a few years ago. She made it home as the water started to rise. But she, like other drivers caught in the same situation, was forced to make a very quick and critical decision.
“It’s like, ‘Do I get home, or do I just stop? What do I do?’ Because you don’t really realize just how deep that water is,” Dupree said.
Dupree’s niece faced a harsher outcome. She was forced to total her car due to water damage.
“She lost everything,” she said.
Mechanics urge caution, recommending that any vehicle exposed to deep water be inspected by a professional.
“It’s a good idea to at least make an appointment with an automotive repair store, raise it up and get a clean bill of health,” Vettore said.
This step is critical, as the National Weather Service has warned of ongoing flood risks in the region.
For those wondering about their options, deciding whether to repair, sell, or keep a flooded car is a significant decision. Experts suggest avoiding driving the vehicle until a certified mechanic assesses it, especially if water reached above the floorboards.
If damage is extensive—such as water above the dashboard—selling may not be viable unless the flood history is disclosed, as required by Illinois law. Contacting an insurance company promptly is essential. The may declare the car a total loss and offer a payout.
Repairing and selling a flooded car with a salvaged or rebuilt title is possible, but caution is advised. Consumer Reports estimates that 450,000 cars suffer flood damage annually in the U.S., and scams involving concealed water damage are a growing concern.
Buyers should verify a vehicle’s history through services like Carfax, and sellers must avoid hiding flood damage to avoid civil and criminal penalties.
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