The monsoon season has started knocking on our doors as of late with heavy rain and thunderstorms happening across the country. Penang has been affected the most with what seems to be the worst flood the state has ever experience in history with seven casualties and more than 10,000 residents displaced. Besides Penang, Kedah and several parts of Perlis were also affected.

These flood victims have unfortunately lost their homes, personal belongings, and even cars. Getting your car submerged in water can pose some serious problems to your vehicle – engine damage, faulty electrical system, and damaged interior.

So, what steps should you take in the event that your car has succumbed to the flood? According to the New Straits Times, here are eight things you should do if your car is trapped in the flood.

1. Don’t Start Your Engine

Naturally, the first thing you’d be curious of is whether your car can start and if it’s still working. Igniting the engine will actually cause damage beyond repair to the engine so avoid doing so.

2. Establish the Water Level of The Flood

If you happen to find your car partially submerged in water, the first thing you must do is determine the water level by searching for a waterline on either the exterior or interior of the car. If the water only submerged your car from the lower door sill downwards, it’s probably safe to start your car and drive off.

3. Check Oil and Air Filter

If you find that there’s water in the air filter or engine oil, do not start the engine and immediately call a tow truck to bring you to the nearest mechanic.

4. Inspect All Other Fluids

Grime, debris, and muddy water may enter your power steering, brake, clutch, and coolant reservoirs. Check these fluids to make sure water has not seeped into them, as it may lead to further damage of the car.

5. Check All Electrical Systems

Once you have taken all the necessary steps to determine whether your car is safe to start, you should examine all electrical parts of the car – signals, headlights, power locks, etc. to determine the extent of the damage.

6. Remove Any Debris On or Around Your Car

Before driving off, you should check the exterior of your vehicle and its surrounding to ensure that no debris such as branches, leaves, tree trunks, and rocks which may have gotten stuck around the underbody, wheels, and breaks.

7. Air Out the Interior of Your Car

You might find the interior of your vehicle wet or humid, so open all the doors and windows to let some air in and dry it. To avoid your car from having a long-lasting foul smell, remove all the carpets and seats and get your car promptly cleaned by a professional cleaner or at a local carwash.

8. Check Your Insurance Policy for Flood Coverage

Getting your car repaired after the aftermath of the flood cause you a major headache and some financial setbacks, so call your insurance company immediately to see if your insurance policy covers natural disasters such as flood.