3 Simple Tips to Avoid Serious Vehicle Flood Damage

The North Carolina coast is no stranger to knee deep roads and parking lot pools. Because Wilmington can be prone to flood, it is important to be aware of potential water damage to your vehicle. It is best to avoid traveling in severe rainstorms, but if you must, be sure to take care of your vehicle.


If you have been traveling in flooded areas, as soon as possible, check your engine and transmission fluids. If the fluids are milky, beige or appear diluted it could mean water is in the pans. If you have your doubts, tow your vehicle to a repair center. Driving with water in the oil or transmission will result in serious damage. A quick fix is to have a repair center completely drain the pans and replace with new fluids.

Your next area of concern should be your brakes. When your brake system is completely dried, replace all fluids. Once the vehicle is dry, completely re-lubricate the vehicle.

A common misconception is to allow a water drenched interior to simply dry on its own. The fabric will dry, but water will seep through the material and collect underneath the firewall. If left alone, this will mildew—a smell that won’t go away! Interior water damage is a leading cause for insurance companies to declare vehicles a total loss. The best practice is to completely replace the interior material.

Because flooding can be rapid and unexpected, avoid driving in severe rainstorms unless absolutely necessary. Be safe!

Dodge "Man Van"

The minivan has undergone many changes over the years pertaining to size and style, but few changes have targeted the minivan perception. While some brands inspire pride from their owners, the minivan usually settles for a vehicle of convenience. In an effort to challenge the perception for men that the minivan is “the price for settling down,” Dodge is introducing the “man van” (TheCarConnection.com).


Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles calls it “package innovation.” Critics are calling the changes a ploy to make some older vehicles new again, with cosmetic changes. Chrysler is combatting the recent “Swagger Wagon” from Toyota. Chrysler has not revealed much about the release, but according to The Wall Street Journal and TheCarConnection.com, the model will resemble the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T concept.

The Grand Caravan R/T concept was released at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show as a special package. The concept, which did not receive much attention, was a sportier Grand Caravan. Like the R/T concept, the “man van” will likely feature a hood scoop with air vent, upgraded grill and wheels, and an attractive reddish paint job. The interior will probably be leather with matching red stitching.

It is not unclear whether the “man van” will be a new vehicle, or a trim package, but is it enough to change public perception of the soccer mom kid-mobile?

2011 Chrysler 200

(rumored to be named Sebring, Nassau and 200C)

Allpar.com says the 2011 Chrysler 200 has a “more refined and spirited driving experience than the Sebring.”

The 200 will be practically all new with a have high level of standard features. The exterior upgrades include a new grille and badge and newly designed front and rear fenders and hood. The 200 will feature projector headlamps and fog lamps, LED tail lamps and a center high mounted brake light.

The luxurious interior will feature a new instrument panel with a new gauge face. The interior will be made with upgraded materials with a new seat design. To reduce noise and inside vibration, the Chrysler 200 will feature laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows.

Consumers will have the option of a 2.4 liter I-4 World Gas Engine (4 or 6 speed automatic) or a Pentastar V-6. The V-6 engine boasts 283 horsepower.

Expect the all-new 2011 Chrysler 200 at dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2010.

2011 Dodge Durango is here!

Dubbed the “big brother” of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the brand new Durango is the Dodge version of the sport utility vehicle. And for good reason—the Durango offers the same engines as the Cherokee, with a 5.7 liter Hemi V-8 option or Chrysler’s 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6. According to the automaker, the new Dodge Durango has a stronger body structure and can tow up to 7,400 pounds with the V-8 (6,200 pounds with the V-6).

The interior has undergone some major aesthetic changes as well. The third row seating offers 22 seating configurations for passengers and gear. Dodge revealed that the same studio that redesigned the Ram interior worked on the Durango. In the past, Dodge vehicles have been criticized for having low quality interior. Listening to their customers, Dodge has introduced higher grade materials to replace some of the dense plastic. If the Jeep Grand Cherokee is any indication of what the automaker can do with luxury-style vehicles, the Durango is sure to impress!

Safety

When the topic is safety, the Durango has made many features standards. There are side and side-curtain air bags all the way to the third row. Active head restraints and electronic stability control come standard in all vehicles. Optional safety features include technology to monitor blind spots, detect objects behind the vehicle, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The Durango is the first in a series of new designs from Dodge. Look for the Charger, Avenger and Grand Voyager minivan soon!