DeKALB | If April showers brings May flowers, then July gets stuck with torrential downpours.

In early July, an estimated 4 to 7 inches poured down upon Dekalb County within a matter of hours, raising the water levels of local waterways and flooding major roads.

The downpour provided challenges for many motorists who were left with few options other than venturing through the water. During the flood, motorists who did proceed on Lincoln Highway quickly discovered the water-line rising past the rims of their tires.

Driving in such floods can be dangerous to the well-being of the driver, but also the vehicle.

“Damage can occur when water gets into the electronic parts under the vehicle or in the motor,” said mechanic Bill White of Bill White’s Car Hospital, 303 N. 7th St., DeKalb. “If water does get in the engine or transmission and doesn’t get flushed out properly, permanent damage could happen. I have a Honda in right now which needs a new motor due to the flood.”

When water damages occur, insurance agencies such as State Farm receive an increase in their claims. Sean Burke, from State Farm Insurance Agency, 122 S. 1st St., said that a DeKalb resident opened up the driver-side door of her car to gallons of gushing water. The damage was so extensive that she had to get a new vehicle.

Such damages can be very expensive.

“When water gets inside a car’s interior, its value is depreciated 50 percent,” White said. “Depending on the insurance agency, in most cases [the car is] considered totaled.”

After flooding, drivers could be stuck buying a new engine, or even a new vehicle. In order to avoid submerging yourself in this situation, the best course of action is to simply avoid water-logged roads, insurance agents say.