How to Spot a Flood Damaged Vehicle

You are putting yourself at risk if you buy a car that has been damaged in a flood. The exterior may look fine, but a flood damaged vehicle may eventually suffer from mechanical malfunctions. Flooded cars have a higher tendency to experience problems with the transmission and electrical systems. You should find out if a car has been damaged in a flood before you purchase it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look under the seats and in the trunk for signs of past water damage. There may still be some residue from the flood including mud and silt. Rust also is often present in flood damaged vehicles.

2. Check for discoloration in the interior of the car. Water damage causes fabric colors to fade. Obvious water stains on the upholstery is another warning sign to look out for.

3. Test all the vehicle's electrical systems. Turn on the ignition, try the radio, test the interior and exterior lights, and the heating system.

4. Sniff out any odors that the car may have. Flood damaged vehicles may have a moldy scent.

5. Take the car to a mechanic. If you are unsure about the car, take it to your mechanic and ask them to check for any flood damage. They should check all systems, including the vehicle wiring. Wires that have suffered water damage become brittle and break easily.

6. Get a copy of the vehicle's history. With the vehicle's VIN number, you can find out the history of the car on sites like CARFAX.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to check for flood damage in vehicles, especially if you live in areas that experience hurricanes and tropical storms.