We have all heard about the dangers to our safety of we drive through flooded streets. However, it is not just our personal safety that is at risk.  Driving through standing water can also damage your vehicle’s drivetrain and engine.

What causes the damage?

Even a small amount of water entering the vent on your car’s transmission will combine with the transmission fluid, reducing its ability to lubricate and increasing the likelihood of damaged components from overheating.  Water can also damage other drivetrain components like transfer cases and differentials.

Does this always happen?

Of course, it is possible that water did not enter the transmission and no damage will result.  However, if there is damage, it will not occur overnight; and the degree of damage depends upon the depth of the water and the distance driven. This might lead you to believe that the drive through high water had no ill effect on your vehicle.

What can I do about it?

But to be sure to avoid big headaches and expensive repairs in the weeks or months following, you should have your transmission fluid checked by a trusted transmission technician.  At a minimum, it will provide you with peace of mind; and it could help you avoid transmission failure.

Don’t have a transmission technician on speed dial?  Why not contact our shop here in Red Lion, PA? The technicians here at Broadway Transmission and More are well trained and use state-of-the-art equipment to see that your vehicle is properly diagnosed and serviced.