11 Simple Tips for Identifying and Steering Clear of Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Natural disasters like floods can have serious repercussions for the used-car market, potentially decimating inventory and lowering the overall quality of available options while driving up list prices. This is a critical concern for buyers as flood-damaged cars can have serious engine, mechanical, and body issues. Electronics, which are everywhere on modern cars, are particularly vulnerable and can lead to future problems.

To help car buyers navigate this potential hazard, here are 11 tips to spot and avoid a flood-damaged automobile:

1. Find out where the car came from, including a free flood damage check on Carfax based on the previous state of registration.

2. Check government databases for vehicle history with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VIN Check service.

3. Trust your nose and perform a “sniff test” to detect musty, moldy, or heavily deodorized smells.

4. Examine the fabrics, including carpets, upholstery, and the spare-tire well for musty or stained areas.

5. Look under the seats for signs of damage or rust that could indicate removal for drying purposes.

6. Open the hood to look for water damage indicators such as murky crankcase oil, stained air filters, or debris where it doesn’t belong.

7. Check all lights for evidence of a past water line inside and foggy appearances, which could indicate flooding.

8. Explore all nooks and crannies, including hard-to-reach places, corners, and beneath the dashboard for mud or silt.

9. Inspect nuts and bolts, particularly under the dashboard, for signs of rust or water damage, and lift the carpet if possible.

10. Put the car on a lift to inspect the undercarriage for signs of debris or water damage.

11. Test drive the car and check all electronics for signs of damage.

By following these tips and conducting a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, buyers can avoid water-damaged cars and make informed decisions when shopping for transportation. Flood alerts and storms threaten flash flooding in California cities with massive population centers. Buyers need to be vigilant to ensure that they don’t end up with a flood-damaged car.