How to Spot a Car That’s Been in a Flood

September 30, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

How to Spot a Car That's Been in a Flood

Summer is such a great time! Warm weather, pools and fun water parks. Cook outs, fun at friends’ houses, ice cream, shorts, beautiful sunsets, tans etc! Who wouldn’t love the summer time? Well there are a lot of people who don’t, for some states around America, summer means rainy/hurricane season. No fun in the sun, no tanning, nor cook outs, rain, humidity and more rain. There have been a few bad hurricanes passing through, wrecking homes, businesses and cars. Cars left out in the streets just covered in flooded dirty waters. But after hurricane season, and the water finally goes down, these car owners will try to sell their flooded cars. They know it is no good, and will try to con an uneducated buyer. Do not be this buyer, go prepared and ready. There are a couple things you should keep in mind when buying a used car, especially during this time in the year.

1. Rust.
 
Check for rust in areas where rust shouldn’t really be. All the water can cause damage to the car and began to rust. Could have always been there, but it won’t hurt to examine and ask about it. Especially under the vehicle, which is uncommon for newer vehicles in warm weather. 
 
2. Check for condensation. 
 
Inspect the head lights and tail lights for water in them and condensation. Sitting in waters for long periods of time will allow water to seep through. 
 
3. Dirt, mud, or sand. 
 
A newer car without flood damage won’t have an excessive build up of dirt or sand in uncommon places. Under the car in certain crevices, in the wheel rim dips. If the dirt or sand build up is consistent it could mean it was at a stand still in flood waters. Stay away. 
 
4. Mold, mildew odor. 
 
If you smell a mildew or mold type odor, that can definitely be a sign of flooding. 
 
5. Check electronics. 
 
Test out the electric powered parts. Like windows, radio, most of the features in the center console. Anything seems to be off, lagging, glitching or out right now working, that is a big red flag. 
 
6. Inspect interior. 
 
Thoroughly checking the interior, floor mats, seats, in the cracks of seats etc. Looking for any wet, sandy or muddy areas. Any places where it looks like it is left over debris can be a red flag of it used to be filled with dirty flood waters. 
 
7. Check the VIN.
 
If the car is insured, flood damage would have most likely been reported. So check the vehicle identification number for any reports of it being in a flood. If it says yes, your job is done. 
 
8. Get a professional. 
 
If you still are not entirely sure about whether or not the car has flood damage, call or take it to a rebuttal mechanic to check it out for you and give you a professional opinion.
 
9. Reputable car dealership. 
 
Sometimes it’s just better to buy new and used cars from a reputable car dealership. Such as Three Rivers Chrysler Jeep Dodge. They offer a big selection of new and used vehicles, along with other onsite services. 
 
Filed Under: Auto ·
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