The ARBÖ warns of significant damage to vehicles caused by the recent flood events.
According to Karl Baldinger, operations manager of ARBÖ Vienna, cars that were partially or completely submerged in water can be seriously damaged. Vehicles whose engine compartment was submerged are particularly affected. In such cases, no attempt should be made to start the vehicle in order to avoid what is known as water hammer. This can occur when water is compressed in the engine compartment instead of a fuel-air mixture, which can lead to serious damage.
For cars that were completely submerged in water, the ARBÖ recommends contacting a breakdown service immediately. Automotive technicians should remove the spark plugs and check the engine oil level to ensure that no water has penetrated the engine block. Electric cars also require special care: despite waterproof battery packs, such vehicles should be checked by trained high-voltage technicians before being put into operation.
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