The UAE recently experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall, leaving many car owners facing a nightmare: water damage. Whether your car was partially submerged in a parking lot or you had to drive through deep water, the actions you take in the next 24 hours can mean the difference between a simple repair and a total engine loss.
At OnCall Roadside Assistance, we’ve been on the front lines helping drivers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. To help you protect your investment, we’ve put together this expert guide on the “Silent Killers” of flooded cars repair UAE.
❌ The “Don’ts”: What NOT to do
Many people act on instinct after a flood, but these common mistakes can destroy a car instantly.
1. DON’T Try to Start the Engine
If water has entered the air intake or the cylinders, turning the key can cause Hydrolock. Because water does not compress, the pressure will snap piston rods and crack the engine block. If you suspect water reached the engine level, keep the ignition off.
2. DON’T Ignore the “Chocolate Milkshake”
Check your oil dipstick. If the oil looks milky or like a chocolate milkshake, water has mixed with your engine oil. Driving with contaminated oil will cause permanent friction damage to your engine’s internal parts.
3. DON’T Turn on the AC
Floodwater is often contaminated. If water entered your AC vents, turning the system on will blow mold spores and bacteria directly into your cabin, creating a health hazard and a permanent bad smell.
✅ The “Do’s”: Immediate Steps to Take
If your car was affected by the UAE rains, follow this checklist immediately:
1. Disconnect the Battery
Modern cars are rolling computers. Disconnecting the battery prevents short circuits in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and other sensitive sensors while the car is drying out. If you aren’t sure how to do this safely, call a professional.
2. Check Your Lights and Electricals
Water often gets trapped inside headlight and taillight housings. This can blow your car bulbs or corrode the sockets. Ensure these are drained and dried before use.
3. Seek a Professional Flush
Even if the car starts, “hidden” water in the fuel line or transmission can cause failure weeks later. A mobile oil change and a fluid inspection are the cheapest insurance policies you can buy for a flooded car.
How OnCall Roadside Assistance Saves Your Car
You don’t need to tow your car to a crowded garage. OnCall brings the expertise to your doorstep anywhere in the UAE. Our specialized flood-recovery services include:
- Battery Diagnostics & Replacement: We test if your battery survived the surge or needs a fresh start.
- Mobile Oil Change: We flush out contaminated oil and water at your location.
- AC Gas Refill & Sanitization: We clean the system to ensure the air you breathe is fresh and safe.
- Comprehensive Electrical Check: From key battery changes to bulb replacements, we ensure your car is road-legal and safe.
Stuck? Don’t Risk It.
If you are worried about water damage, don’t wait for the “Check Engine” light to come on. Early intervention is the key to avoiding a “total loss” insurance claim.
Contact OnCall Roadside Assistance today! 📞 Toll-Free: 800 2477 🌐 Web: www.oncallrsa.com
