GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – As Tropical Storm Debby approaches North Carolina, auto shops in the east are warning motorists that driving through floodwaters is dangerous — and could cost an arm and a leg.

Mechanics in Greenville want drivers to be smart when encountering floodwaters potentially caused by Tropical Storm Debby that is expected to impact the Carolina coast through the end of the week.

Pugh’s Service Manager, Colby Pugh, says besides being dangerous, repairs can be expensive.

“You’re gonna have interior damage, potentially lead to mold, stuff like that but major damage to the engine if the water was to get high enough to where it got inside the engine, you could completely lock up the engine, if you drive through water and water got inside,” says Pugh.

According to Pugh, the average costs for flood damaged vehicle repairs include an engine flush at $300, new spark plugs at $200, an oil change at $60 and a new air filter at $30.

Sarah Midgett says drivers who think their vehicle can handle the floodwaters should think twice.

“I have hydroplaned before going very very fast and it is the scariest thing ever so I would not do that, that’s a really bad idea,” says Midgett.

Pugh says it’s not worth it to take a chance on floodwaters.

“You could put your lives at risk, you could put other people’s lives at risk that would have to come save you and then on the third thing is, you’d be spending a lot of money,” says Pugh.