PETALING JAYA: Mechanics have their fingers full repairing vehicles that have been broken within the large floods that hit a number of states.
To keep away from excessive restore payments, there are issues that may be carried out by the automotive house owners themselves if the issue isn’t too severe, in accordance to the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia.
Its president Datuk Tony Khor stated the federation classifies automotive injury into 4 ranges.
In stage one, the water stage solely reached the carpet.
“Car owners can easily handle this situation themselves by taking out the carpets and washing them.
“It would be better if they put their vehicles under the hot sun for about three to four days to let the car interior dry thoroughly,” he stated in an interview.
In stage two, floodwater reached just under the automotive dashboard.
“You should not move the car. Ask tow truck drivers to bring your car to the workshop. Mechanics can dismantle the parts and clean them.
“The repair work should not cost too much if the engine is not affected,” stated Khor.
In stage three, the water coated the automotive dashboard however was nonetheless under the automotive roof.
“The electronic control unit (ECU) that falls under level three is submerged in water as most of the control boards are placed under the dashboard.
“The ECU is the central controller and heart of the engine management system and it controls the fuel supply, air management, fuel injection and ignition.
“If the water covers the ECU and causes a short circuit, the repair costs will be very high.
“It is advisable for vehicle owners to switch off everything, take out the battery, dismantle the contact points and wait for the tow truck to bring their car to the workshop.
“Without power supply, the chances of an ECU experiencing a short circuit are lower.
“If a moving car breaks down suddenly after going through water, the engine might be affected and need an overhaul,” stated Khor.
Level 4 is when the automotive was absolutely submerged in water.
“The lights might be affected as the flood currents could have caused the car to be hit by debris.
“We sually advise our customers who have insurance to declare a total loss as it will be very expensive to repair their cars.
“Buying spare parts to fix the car might be more expensive than the actual car value.
“We will need to change the ECU and fix the car part by part, which will cost a bomb,” he stated, including that it is going to be extra pricey to restore a hybrid automotive.
Khor stated he hopes that members of automotive teams can share concepts on how to repair and get spare components by means of their social media.
“In times like these, it might be rather difficult to get help.
“Tow trucks and car workshops operators are super busy now and it may take days before mechanics can finally work on cars caught in floods.
“It would be great if the community can help each other and share information on how to fix their vehicles which suffer from level one or two damage,” he stated.
