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How do you know if a car is flooded?

I have a really old car (it was my Grandma’s) and I’m worried I flooded it the other day. How can I check to see if the engine is flooded?

avatar
Will Baldwin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Kudos to you for wanting to keep your car in good condition! To check whether or not your car is flooded, try starting the car first.
As you probably know, flooding is when too much fuel has been introduced into the engine, stopping it from working properly. When you start the car, listen for the engine turning over. If it won’t start, you likely have a flooded car.
If this happens, don’t keep turning it over; this is hard on the
battery
. A flooded engine has too much petrol and not enough oxygen—so give it some time and let it relax before trying again.
If this doesn’t work then, you may need a mechanic’s help, which can be expensive. To save on your car maintenance bills, you might want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your current car insurance policy.
To check this easily, download the
Jerry
app. We’ll get you customized quotes from top insurers in seconds, so that all you need to do is pick the plan that works best for you. And if you find a plan you like, we’ll even help you switch!
Best of luck, and hopefully all is well with the engine!
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