Car Repair Bills Rise With Floodwaters

As the rain came down over the weekend many car repair bills went up. The sudden downburst caught many drivers off guard, leaving many drivers stranded in high water. In a Consumer 6 report, News On

Monday, September 10th 2007, 8:38 pm

By: News On 6

As the rain came down over the weekend many car repair bills went up. The sudden downburst caught many drivers off guard, leaving many drivers stranded in high water. In a Consumer 6 report, News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports on what you could do if it happens to you.

With the rain falling so quickly and the water rising so suddenly there wasn't much some drivers could do. Dozens of cars stalled, others made it through, but not without a good soaking.

"It came up to about here and I could just hear it trickling in," said Ryan McGill, whose car was flooded over the weekend.

Ryan McGill brought her car to the mechanics shop to make sure there isn't any significant damage.

â€œProbably total we've had about a dozen calls from people who have either said they've flooded their car out, ran it through some really deep water and now they have a check engine light on, or some other weird issue where it's running funny, or idling funny," David Miller of Trinity Restoration said.

David Miller with Trinity Restoration says don't ignore those funny warning signs. He says when cars flood it is important not to start them back up until it can be checked.

"We can get it in here, pull the spark plugs, change the oil, flush it out, usually you're okay,â€ Miller said. â€œBut it's better safe than sorry, don't start it back up because you can do some damage."

There are the obvious signs of damage like to the cars interior, but there can also be not so obvious damage. That's the stuff that can add up.

"There's a computer on all new cars, it's usually where your feet are, so you get water in the computer, kill the computer, that's a good thousands bucks, plus labor," said Miller.

Ryan McGill was lucky. After a diagnostic check, oil change, and a thorough detailing, her car will be fine.

"I told my husband I want to call the Duck tours in Branson and sell them my car,â€ she said.

Here's what you need to look for if this ever happens to you. First check the interior for dampness, then pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks. If it appears milky or diluted, then it likely contains water. And don't ignore any funny noises.

Watch the video: Rising Waters Means Rising Repair Bills