Auto repair experts address water damage, prevention

MCALLEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The Rio Grande Valley has seen much-needed rain these past few days, but the rain may not be so kind when it comes to our vehicles.

Ruben Capetillo, the co-owner of Integrity Auto Repair said water damage can be extremely costly.

“If you keep cranking the vehicle or trying to turn it on, whenever there’s water inside your engine, your valves and pistons will make contact because there’s already a level of water that’s above your piston,” said Capetillo. “So that tries to compress and it’ll start bending your valves and, basically you’ll go from possibly saving the engine to now having to replace the engine.”

Stephany Mendoza learned this lesson the hard way. She spent over $400 due to water-related issues on her vehicle as it affected the bottom as water crept under it.

“The next day after the flood, my car would not turn on as it had electrical issues underneath and the lights from underneath wouldn’t turn on,” Mendoza said.

Other drivers say they simply try to keep their vehicles inside for protection.

“I have a garage when I get home, and I just put it there all nice and safe when it is raining,” said Christina Fenimore, a McAllen resident.

Capetillo said it is still important to check your vehicle for any leaks to avoid being caught off guard.

“If you go to a drive-through car wash, you kind of simulate heavy rain and that can kind of give you a tip on a water leak that you didn’t know about before a situation like this occurs,” he said.

Capetillo added that water damage issues are common.

He said making sure the windows work properly is important because any rain that gets inside can cause mold and bacteria to grow.

In worst-case scenarios, Capetillo said people lose their vehicle altogether due to water damage that affects the engine or other important components.

“Under insurance, they’re going to ‘total loss’ your vehicle,” he added. “Give you a check until you’ll get something else, if you’re not, probably worst case, because you got to pay out of pocket to either get it fixed or just let it go.”

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