Dr. Nuwan Madanayake, a vehicle engineer, has advised that vehicles submerged in water or swept away by floods during the recent storm should not be used under any circumstances without undergoing a comprehensive inspection.
He emphasized that such vehicles must first be taken to a service or repair facility, thoroughly cleaned, and all types of oil—including engine oil, gear oil, power steering oil, and brake oil—must be completely drained. Once the oils are replaced with new ones, the engine should then undergo a full inspection before any use.
Dr. Madanayake noted that while engines and gearboxes of vehicles submerged for two to three days can sometimes be restored to working condition, their electrical systems should never be used. Even if temporarily restored, these systems may later fail or cause serious malfunctions, potentially resulting in significant costs. He advised that vehicles should either be removed from use through insurance claims or, if insured by a third party, have their entire electrical system rebuilt.
Additionally, he stressed that all suspension-related grease and rubber components must be completely removed, replaced, and properly reinstalled to ensure safety and functionality.
Source: Silumina
