LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- When floods take over the neighborhood, cranking up the engine may be the worst thing you can do -- but many people have to learn that the hard way.
"I'm trying to help my buddy move but I can’t even get up there with my car,” said Don Bacon of Louisville.
Sunday's floods left dozens of cars underwater, stuck in one spot with nowhere to go.
But some drivers got antsy; figuring driving out would be the best escape route.
Car experts say "not so fast.”
"You can't do that because once that water gets in the engine, it’s ruined. It’s completely totaled," said Michael Blanton, the owner of Two Guys N Tools auto shop.
The floods are keeping his schedule booked.
“We’re checking to make sure there’s no water on the top of the engine. The oil looks good and clean,” said Blanton, walking us through a car inspection.
He's worked with submerged cars before and says he can usually bring it back to life, depending on just how deep the water got.
“If the water is up to the license plate, on most vehicles it’s not ruined but it needs to be looked at by a professional,” Blanton explained.
He recommends having the car towed to a professional who can take care of the water in the engine and the upholstery.
You can work on drying the car out on your own.
But whatever you do, don’t start the car.
“Once you start it the odds are great that you’re going to mess your engine up beyond repair,” said Blanton.
Two Guys N Tools has been in business since March 2014.
The owners say they’ll recover cars that are stuck in almost any situation at an affordable cost.
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