What to Do After Driving Through Flood Water

Beachwheels Automotive – Flood Damage Checks in Brookvale, Manly & the Northern Beaches

Driving through flood water can cause serious and often hidden damage to your vehicle. Even shallow water can affect your brakes, electronics, engine, and suspension. If you’ve recently driven through flooded roads in Brookvale, Dee Why, Manly or anywhere on the Northern Beaches, here’s what you should do immediately afterwards to stay safe and prevent long-term issues.

1. Don’t Restart the Engine

If your vehicle stalled in flood water, do not try to restart it. Starting a flooded engine can cause catastrophic damage. Have the car towed to a trusted mechanic — like our workshop in Brookvale — for an inspection before attempting to turn it on.

2. Check Your Brakes

Wet brakes can be slippery and ineffective. Once you’re on dry ground and moving slowly, test your brakes gently. If they feel soft, pull to the side and pump them lightly to help dry them out. Still unsure? Book a brake inspection with Beachwheels to make sure they’re functioning properly.

3. Inspect the Air Filter

Your air filter is usually the first engine component to get soaked. If it’s wet, it could indicate water has entered the intake — a red flag for possible engine damage. We recommend having it inspected and replaced as needed during a vehicle check.

4. Check for Warning Lights

After driving through water, watch for dashboard warning lights — especially the check engine, ABS, or battery light. These may point to electrical faults, sensor failures or charging system issues caused by water exposure.

5. Inspect Under the Vehicle

Flood water can drag mud, debris and stones underneath your car, damaging suspension parts, exhaust systems or splash shields. A quick underbody inspection can reveal signs of damage. We can lift the vehicle safely at our Brookvale workshop and provide a detailed report.

6. Check Fluid Levels

Water can contaminate critical fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid. If any fluids appear milky or cloudy, it may indicate water entry and the need for a full flush and refill.

7. Dry Out the Interior

If water entered the cabin, act fast to prevent mould and bad smells. Remove wet mats and upholstery, and use towels, fans or dehumidifiers to dry the area. If moisture lingers, consider a professional interior clean.

8. Watch for Delayed Symptoms

Even if your car seems fine, issues like rusted electronics, corroded brakes or electrical shorts can appear days or weeks later. If you notice any unusual behaviour, strange sounds, or smells — don’t wait. Bring your car in for a post-flood inspection.

Flood-Damaged Car? We Can Help.

At Beachwheels Automotive, we’ve helped drivers across the Northern Beaches get back on the road after severe weather. If you’ve driven through flood water in Brookvale, Dee Why or Manly, we can inspect your vehicle, identify hidden damage, and carry out necessary repairs to keep you safe.

Contact us today to book a flood damage assessment or mechanical inspection.

FAQs – Driving Through Flood Water

It’s not recommended. Driving immediately can hide serious damage. If the car stalled, do not restart it. Have it towed to a mechanic for inspection.

Start with your brakes, air filter, warning lights and underbody. These areas are most likely to be affected by water damage.

If water entered the engine, attempting to start it could cause severe internal damage (hydrolock). Seek a professional inspection immediately.

Look for damp carpets, fogged windows, or a musty smell. Dry out the cabin quickly to avoid mould or corrosion to wiring under the seats.

As soon as possible — even if everything seems fine. Some issues, like electrical corrosion or fluid contamination, can take time to show symptoms.