A natural disaster like a flood, fire, or hurricane can severely damage a car and make it unrepairable. Damaged cars often have to be scrapped because of the extensive damage that these forces of nature can do.
Water damage is some of the most serious damage a car can endure. The type of damage can depend on if it is saltwater or freshwater. The distinction between saltwater and freshwater damage on a car is significant. The most significant difference is that saltwater damage can cause the car to start rusting immediately. Saltwater damage appears to eat away at the metal of a vehicle’s body, which is known as acid erosion. Within days, you may notice rusted areas behind the rubber on your door. This is when salt begins to corrode the metal of your car’s body.
Saltwater ruins your automobile’s electrical connections, rendering them useless. Within a few days, the electronic motors are destroyed, corroded or unusable. It can be compared to putting your car in an acid bath. While freshwater usually does not cause as much damage, it can still ruin the electrical system.
Although car fires are less common, they can be just as dangerous if not worse than water damage. Most car fires can and do happen as a result of electrical or mechanical failures or an accident with deadly results. Nearly 350 people die every year as a result of car fires, and 1,300 are burned.
So what do the stats in recent years tell us about car fires? Vehicle fires are responsible for approximately one out of every eight calls to fire departments. The engine, running gear, and wheels area of passenger automobiles accounted for 83% of highway vehicle fires. Heavy-duty trucks account for less than 9% of vehicle fires.
Mechanical failure is the cause of 45% of highway vehicle fires. Electrical shorts in vehicle wiring caused 29% of highway fires. Flammable liquid leaks (gasoline or diesel fuel) were responsible for 18% of highway fires.
Hurricanes can also bring severe damage to cars such as; puncturing windshields because of flying debris. The hurricane wind can lift a car off the ground and move it around. Hurricanes can bring lots of water, damaging the electrical system. High winds can rip off the roof of a car. A severe storm can also flood the car with salt water.
If you are in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it is important to have your car properly insured against damage. Many people choose to keep their car in a garage during a hurricane to try to protect it from damage. If you don’t have a garage, you can try to park your car in an open area that is not near any trees or power lines.
If your car got damaged because of a natural disaster and you don’t have insurance, it’s best to call a salvage car removal place like 114 Auto Salvage and get some cash for your car.