Many motorists would think nothing at all of parking over a shallow puddle for a few hours, not realising that they could be causing serious damage to their vehicles.
It’s well known that driving through floodwater is extremely risky, both for yourself and your car. According to The Flood Hub, just 30cm of standing water would be enough to float a car, resulting in the driver losing control, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Furthermore, if just one egg cup’s worth of water gets inside the engine, this could leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket after a trip to the garage.
Now, an expert has urged motorists to avoid parking over puddles—even shallow ones—if they hope to avoid car-related headaches, not to mention eyewatering costs.
Chris Jevons, Car Repair Specialist at JTAPE (www.jtape.com) warned: “We often think of water damage happening when you drive through deep floods, but simply leaving your car parked over a puddle for a few hours or days can cause hidden problems. From corrosion to electrical issues, it’s a risk many people overlook.”
According to Chris: “Rainwater on the roads can create a surprisingly corrosive environment, especially when it collects in puddles around the same spots day after day.
“When essential metal components like brake lines, subframes, or exhaust mounts are left submerged, rust can take hold much faster than people expect. It doesn’t take a flood, just parking in the wrong place can start a chain reaction of corrosion that affects safety and leads to costly repairs down the line.”
Chris said: “Modern vehicles are packed with critical sensors located underneath the car, including those for ABS, traction control, and parking assistance. Even shallow puddles can expose these sensitive components to moisture. If water seeps into a sensor or its connectors, it can trigger warning lights, interfere with performance, or lead to complete sensor failure.
“These aren’t minor issues, diagnosing and replacing damaged sensors can quickly run into the hundreds, and compromised systems can put your safety at risk.”
Car whizz Chris explained: “Leaving your wheels partially submerged in water can quickly lead to brake components rusting or seizing. This is especially common in rear drum brakes or vehicles that aren’t driven regularly. If you hear a loud squeal or feel dragging when you drive off, it’s a clear sign that moisture has caused damage. Ignoring it can lead to further deterioration and costly brake repairs.”
Chris warned: “Your exhaust system is particularly vulnerable when parked in water, as it hangs low and is exposed to moisture. Water can seep into areas like joints, silencers, and the catalytic converter, accelerating rust and corrosion. Over time, this can lead to noisy exhausts, failed emissions tests, or even holes in the system, which not only affect performance but can also result in expensive repairs and MOT failures.”
As explained by Chris: “Water and electronics are a dangerous combination. Puddles near curbs and drains can flood sections of the vehicle’s underside where wiring looms and electrical connections run. Even a small short circuit can disrupt entire systems, and with modern vehicles, what starts as a basic electrical fault can quickly escalate into a complex and costly repair.”
Advising drivers what they can do to avoid potentially pricey damages, Chris continued: “To avoid damage, first up, avoid parking in puddles altogether. Even shallow ones can cause damage. Before parking, visually inspect the area, especially in low-lying or poorly drained spots. After exposure to water, it’s crucial to check your brakes and keep an eye out for any new dashboard lights or strange sounds.
“If you live in a damp area or frequently park on the street, applying rust-proofing treatments can help protect your car. Don’t ignore warning signs like delayed braking, rough idling, or unusual smells after driving off. If your car has been sitting in water, even briefly, it’s worth having it checked. Catching damage early is always cheaper than waiting until it becomes a more serious issue.”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
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