#floodcars

Hurricane Helene's Floodwaters Could Spark a Rash of EV Fires

Electric vehicles don’t catch on fire at a higher rate than gas models, but when they do, it can be a real hassle to extinguish the flames. While some EV fires can be attributed to collisions and other damage, flooding can also cause problems, especially saltwater. That’s the issue faced by thousands of EV owners in the Southeast, where Hurricane Helene just left a massive path of destruction and chaos.

Chris Teague Oct 01, 2024

Recent Comments

Calrson Fan One of the best looking Cadillacs ever made IMO. They had used one at the dealership where I bought my Volt(also used) that they tried to sell me, but with 3 young boys at the time I needed something with 4 doors. Should have at least taken it for a test drive. The Volt does have the Caddy white metallic paint on it, a $1000 option in 2013, so there's that!....LOL If you're going to buy an ELR pass over the the 2014 models & get the much improved 2016 model. There is no 2015 model.
Jeff It is a good idea to move your vehicles and your family to higher ground before a flood unless you have a vehicle that is a piece of junk and you want to get rid of it.
Jeff Look at the inside carpet, doors, under the hood, and any scents that might be used to hide mold and water smell. One thing to look for on a late model used vehicle is rust inside the doors and anything that looks like a mark where water has settled inside the vehicle. My father bought a used station wagon after a major hurricane after our family station wagon was totaled. The wagon my father bought had a musty smell and there was rust inside the doors despite the car being only 2 years old and spending its life in Texas. After he bought it we found out the car had been in an area that flooded during the hurricane likely salt water. That station wagon had numerous issues with wiring and the transmission went out several times. Car had to be repainted because the paint faded and wore off. We owned that station wagon for 2 years and finally traded it in on a new station wagon that my parents ordered. At the time my father bought that flood damaged wagon he had ordered a new car for himself and didn't want to spend the money on a new wagon. There was a shortage of good used cars after the hurricane and my father thought he got a good deal because it was cheaper than many older cars available at the time. Lesson learned.
MRF 95 T-Bird You could make the argument that buying an older flood damaged car with few if any electrical components might be worthwhile. Say an MG or Triumph, Lucas price of darkness notwithstanding. A first generation Mustang or even an NA Miata. Renting a steam cleaner power washer. A can of CRC connector cleaner and some WD-40 can work wonders. Plus replacement parts aren’t too expensive and easy to replace.
Victor The US factories will never be able to compete with chinese labor, and that's the main issue. Maybe the liberal in you won't care. The economy will, though

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