Driving through water could cost you thousands

With all the heavy rains in the Borderland, more than a few drivers have no doubt considered driving through moving or standing water. But even a seemingly small puddle could be much more trouble than it’s worth.

Many streets around town have been drenched with water rushing down or building up in low spots. But driving through water of almost any depth could do serious damage to your car.

“You know, if it’s repairable, if it’s something a body shop can do,” said Flor Caballero Lynch, of Flor and Associates Insurance Agency. “Change maybe the mats, clean out the water before the smell stays there permanently, then that’s what they’ll do. But if it’s a total loss where the vehicle won’t start again, the engine was affected or any of the other serious parts, then it could be a total loss.”

Dozens of cars in El Paso have already been done in by our recent rains. The costs can range from thousands of dollars for replacement parts and labor to having to get an entirely new car.

As little as six inches of water, depending on the vehicle you’re driving, could cause engine trouble or worse. If you can’t tell how deep it is, it’s often times just not worth it.

“Cars, if they’ve had modification to the engine,” said Robert Knight of Alamo Auto Supply, “They have a cooler intake system deal like that, we’re talking half a foot of water could get sucked up instantly, and shut down the engine.”

Towing out of water alone could cost you $150 and the cost of individual parts can add up quick.

“In this situation, it does have to be replaced,” Knight said, holding a front headlight that had been underwater. “Once the water touches the bulb, it’s not useable again.”

The cost of that replacement alone? $1,200.

So be smart and be safe out there. Even those who do know better sometimes make bad choices.

“I had a Honda Accord,” Knight said. “Stalled out on me. I pulled over, let it dry out. The next day, took off the intake manifold, blew out the water, put it all back together, luckily it started.”

Remember – turn around, don’t drown. And if you do find yourself in a car that’s stalling out from the water, don’t try to start it again. You’re likely to blow the cylinders of your engine, which could require a full re-build or just total your car entirely.