How to Spot a Flood Damaged Car
Reading Time:
Flooding has occurred in various parts of the United States over the past few years, and many homes and cars suffered damage as a result. If you are in the market for a used car. In fact, according to Carfax, in 2019 there were an estimated 408,280 flood damaged cars that are still on the road. Cars that have been in floods can experience mechanical failures, electrical malfunctions, warped brake pads and rotors and mold. Even if you don’t live in an area that has experienced flooding, you could still end up with a car that has flood damage—unless you know how to spot it. Here are some telltale signs:
- A moldy or musty smell
- Interior carpet or seats that are stained or discolored in areas
- Mud or damp spots in the glove compartment or under seats
- For or moisture in headlights, brake lights or dash
If any of those signs are there, dig a little deeper to make sure all the instruments and controls work properly. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a mechanic check out any used car you are thinking about buying, and check the cars vehicle or title history to make sure there’s no indication of flooding or a salvage title. A little extra research can go a long way towards making sure the used car you buy will take you a long way.