BENGALURU: Auto mechanics and towing agencies are seeing a huge demand over the past few days in the city, thanks to the incessant rains and floods which have left a large number of vehicles damaged.
Many mechanics in flood-hit areas such as Kodichikkanahalli, Bilekahalli and Madiwala say they are getting enquiries from several vehicle owners about defects in self-starters, water in engines and damage in electrical and electronic components.
Some vehicle owners said they could not contact mechanics and vehicle towing agencies on Saturday (due to the bandh) as well as on Sunday (a holiday for most mechanic shops).
K Manjunath, a resident of Kodichikkanahalli, said, “I have already contacted a towing agency to take my car to the service centre on Monday. It was submerged for several hours due to the heavy rain and now the engine is not working. I don’t know how much the service would cost. If the expenses are not covered under insurance, then I may have to sell the vehicle.”
K Sathish, a local mechanic who runs Trend Automobile on Bannerghatta Road, said: “Owners of luxury cars normally approach authorised car showrooms for servicing but small car owners approach the local mechanics. We may have to work overtime in the coming days as several vehicles were submerged in the nearby localities.”
Karnataka Automobile Parts and Allied Merchants Association secretary Rajen Bhatha, said: “Even though the flood in Bengaluru was not severe like the one in Chennai, several vehicles were damaged after water entered the vehicles. Motorists should avoid starting the stalled engine repeatedly if it is submerged for several hours.