MCALLEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral )— This has been a hectic week for auto repair shops as they have encountered numerous clients bringing in waterlogged vehicles requiring maintenance.
At Cris Auto Service in McAllen, a queue of vehicles remains awaiting service.
The flooding that hit the Rio Grande Valley occurred almost two weeks back. Numerous vehicles sustained water damage when they were left stranded beside the roads and deserted.
"We are operating at maximum capacity every day, but due to the recent rainfall, we've received numerous clients whose cars have been inundated. This has made our work quite exhausting," stated Jose Rodriguez, who serves as the shop foreman at Cris Auto Service.
A lot of the cars arriving at the workshop require complete engine overhauls... According to Rodriguez, this task stands out as both one of the toughest and costliest jobs they handle.
He notes that when water infiltrates the engine, it may lead to breaking of the connecting rods or completely seizing up the engine. The typical expense at Cris Auto Service for such repairs exceeds $6,000.
"It's expensive, and many individuals with insurance coverage end up paying just the deductible. However, without it, they would face significant financial strain. My heart goes out to these folks, as Mother Nature can be quite capricious," stated Rodriguez.
Additional fixes, like removing all moisture from the vehicle to avoid rust and potential electrical issues, may range in price from $500 to $2,000.
The tasks have been exhausting for Rodriguez and his crew, yet the vehicles damaged by flooding continue to arrive nonstop.
As hurricane season approaches, he has a straightforward warning for motorists: Avoid driving through floodwaters. The consequences can be far worse than financial loss.
"Be cautious, avoid riding through those flood-ridden streets, as it could become very costly. Vehicles can be replaced, but lives cannot," Rodriguez warned.
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