With so many natural disasters occurring, including floods and hurricanes, knowing how to spot flood damage in a vehicle is critical. Good dealers can make flood-damaged cars look great, but they can not remove the risk.
Consider several factors that can influence the damage done by a flood.
- How deeply was the car underwater? Deeply submerged cars run a significant risk for dangerous problems.
- How long was the car under water? Longer submersions equal damage damage.
- Was it fresh water or salt water that flooded the car? Salt water causes more corrosion and faster corrosion than fresh water.
Check for indicators of severe floodwater damage when inspecting and test driving any car.
If it says "Flood" or "Salvage" on it, it was deemed irreparable by an insurance company, a bank or an owner. Expect problems other major, expensive repairs were done.
2. Flood damage voids the manufacturer & # 39; s warranty. Without the seller can prove they completed major restoration and repair, buyers take a big financial risk for major repairs. Consider the cost of these likely repairs When deciding how much to pay for the car.
3. Most flood-damaged cars will have very low or no resale value if the new owner attempts to sell them later.
4. Ask the dealer if there was any anything flood damage, and make them put the answer in writing. If they hesitate or refuse, be concerned.
Similarly, strong air fresheners may designs tos to cover up bad odors.
6. Check hidden areas for moisture.
- Check the carpet and underneath the carpet if possible.
- Check the trunk for moisture.
- Feel the material underneath the spare tire.
- Check the headlights, taillights, mirrors and instrument panels for moisture or a foggy appearance.
- Check for dampness or water lines in the overhang inside the wheel wells.
- Feel underneath seats and in the seating tracks for dampness.
- Feel inside the glove box for moisture.
- Water-affected oil may be pale or milky, and it may be sticky to the touch.
7. Debris inside the car or engine compartment, engine crevices, travelers inside or under the dashboard may indicate the car was underwater.
Seat springs and the undercarriage of the car may also show signs of rust and corrosion on the metal surfaces such as hinges, springs, screws and latches.
9. Examine the interior Upholstery of the carpet in the old car looks brand new. Make sure the fabric on doors and the headliner are about the same age as the carpet and the car. Another clue is mismatched upholstery where some sections are faded, others are newer, or patterns are not aligned.
10. Test the electronic systems before and during a test drive
- If they are brittle, it is probably due to water damage.
- During the test drive, listen for odd sounds during starting. See if the car smokes during starting.
- Check to make sure all dash lights come on, including backlighting, when starting the car.
- Make sure the headlights, taillights, turn signals and emergency blinkers work.
- Turn on windshield wipers, air conditioning and heater to make sure they work.
- Test the radio. Distorted audio, severe static or lack of audio can be the result of water damage.
