Avoid Flooded Cars Using These Easy Car Buying Tips

Avoid Flooded Cars Using These Easy Car Buying Tips 

If you’re in the market to buy a car, the last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned money on a flooded car. Flood-damaged cars are unpredictable, failing at the most inopportune times. They also have a negative effect on the vehicle’s electrical system. The risks associated with flooded cars can lead to accidents and increased insurance premiums. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to risk it all on a flood-damaged vehicle. Using the following tips and tricks, you can easily spot a flood-damaged car. 

Get a Whiff of the Car 

Flood-damaged cars notoriously have a stench about them. They smell like mold because mold is likely lurking somewhere in the car—this is a signal not to buy the vehicle.  

Take a walk around the vehicle smelling it as you go. If you notice a musty smell, then the vehicle is likely a flood-damaged vehicle. 

Examine the Upholstery 

Another telltale sign that a car may be a flooded vehicle is like-new upholstery in an old vehicle. If you are purchasing a used car, the upholstery should have wear and tear.  

If a used vehicle’s upholstery or carpet looks as if it’s newer than it should be, it’s probably a replacement. This may be due to water damage to upholstery and carpet.  

Take a Look at the Oil in the Vehicle 

Depending on the extent of the damage, you can recognize a flood-damaged vehicle by the oil in the car. In a deep flood, water will flood the engine and mix with the oil in the car. If this happens, you’ll see water mixed in the oil on the dipstick. Any bubbles of water, even one, is a sign that you should avoid the vehicle altogether. 

Floods Leave Dirt 

When water rises and gets in places it shouldn’t, it has the tendency to leave dirt trails once it’s gone. The displaced dirt is a sign you can’t ignore.  

Look for dirt trails in odd places if you suspect you’re looking at a flood-damaged vehicle. Check the glove compartment, trunk and underneath the seats. If you see dirt in unusual places, it’s time to look for a new vehicle. 

Have an Expert Check the Vehicle 

If you want to err on the side of caution, have an expert check out the vehicle. Local auto mechanics don’t charge much to inspect a vehicle. It’s better to know and avoid an accident that could impact your car insurance.