Flood Damaged Cars

Regardless of where you live, you probably have to deal with your fair share of bad weather at least once a season. Whether you live in the warmer climates or you prefer the cooler months that the northern states can bring, each season brings with it a variety of rain, sleet, snow and even hail depending on where you live. While snow and sleet may be nothing more than an irritant during the winter months, the rain and the havoc it can cause can be enough to give anyone a bad day. If you have lived in an area that is below sea level, or has poor drainage, odds are you know how much damage a large amount of rain in a short amount of time can cause.

While homes and basements are most commonly the victim of the floods that can be caused by excessive amounts of rain, hurricanes can cause vast amounts of damage since they can flood a large amount of area in a short amount of time. Although most never give it a second thought, cars are one of the biggest victims of flooding with millions of dollars worth of automobiles being written off by insurance companies as total losses each year. While this may seem like a huge loss for the auto makers of the world, what many don’t realize is that flood damaged cars can help you save hundreds if not thousands on a car provided you choose wisely.

Depending on how bad the flood was, the damage can range from cosmetic to electrical and other safety mechanisms that we all depend on in the event of a crash. If you have ever had a lot of standing water in your basement or other areas of your home due to bad weather, you know how much damage flooding can cause on a variety of different surfaces. If you are considering picking up a flood damaged car, there are some key elements you need to watch out for in order to get the best value for your money.

One of the most common signs of flooding will be the remains of moisture in sealed components such as the dash and overhead dome lighting. You will also want to be on the lookout for excessive gritty dirt that is most commonly leftover after a flood. Make sure to check under the hood, in the glove compartment and any other areas that would be moisture prone so you can assess the level of damage that occurred to the car in question. You will also want to check for rust under the hood as well as on the body and frame. If you find excessive amounts of rust damage to critical components to the car such as the frame, it may be best to look elsewhere. Rust can possibly be a symptom that the car was submerged for an extended period of time, running you the risk of purchasing a car that may not be salvageable.

Second, you will want to perform the sniff test. If you have ever been in a basement that is prone to consistent dampness, you will probably have no problem recognizing the musty, mildewy odor that a damp enclosed space can have. Depending on how deep underwater the car was, odds are the carpets, seats and other soft surfaces are still quite wet since they are nearly impossible to dry in a short amount of time. This dampness ends up being a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can possibly be toxic if the levels of mold have gotten too high. Too much water can cause the entire interior of a car to be a total loss, and can also be an indicator of other problems, especially if the upholstery is still damp months after the flood waters had subsided.

Third, you will most definitely want to take the car for a drive. First and most important you will want to check and make sure that the engine will turn over and it idles normally without causing a variety of warning lights to appear on the dashboard. You will also want to check every electrical element that exists in the car to make sure it is functioning correctly. Turn on the headlights, hazard lights, and every other functioning electrical device that exist on the exterior of the car. When it comes to the interior, you will want to play with the radio, check the gauges and make sure everything is in working order. If something ends up being broken, investigate it in further detail and determine whether the failure was caused by the flood or just a malfunction. If you are unsure about performing the analysis yourself, consider bringing along a trusted technician as they will be able to give you the lowdown as to whether or not certain failures can be fixed and how much the repairs may actually cost. That way you can realistically determine if the cost to repair makes the car really worth the money.

Lastly, make sure you get the history report from Carfax. If the car you are considering was part of a large lot of cars that were considered a total loss by an insurance company, then that car will have been classified as a salvage vehicle. These vehicles will have a salvage title associated with them and this information should show up on the report for the car in question. Just be cautious when making your choice because the Carfax report may not always be 100% accurate. It is possible for a car to have flood damage that may have never been reported. Make sure you do your due diligence and check every possible element of the car so as to avoid being ripped off by a flood damaged car that can possibly be a lemon.

If you find yourself in the market for a flood damaged car then you will want to make sure you keep these tips in mind. Watch out for mold, and be wary of excessive rust and other physical damage, and you are sure to find the right car that will meet your needs for many years to come.