Hurricanes and tropical storms like Helene submerge highways, houses, and thousands of automobiles. Up to 89,000 cars, according to vehicle data provider CARFAX, may suffer water damage following summer flooding incidents that occurred in June through August of this year. It is still quite possible, though, to find yourself with a flood-damaged car in the months that follow, which may end up costing you thousands of dollars in repair fees, even if you don’t live in a flood-prone location. A flooded car might be difficult to identify since dishonest dealers would clean it up, dry it off, and then sell it.
How to tell if a car has been flooded The proprietor of Overbeck Auto Services, certified mechanic Matt Overbeck, provided instructions on how to look for evidence of flood damage on a used vehicle.
He showed us around a ten-year-old Prius that appeared to have some water damage and had dampness within the headlights. According to Overbeck, the engine bay is usually hidden because dealers frequently give it a pressure wash and polish. Rather than that, he examined the interior and cautiously removed a panel located beneath the glove compartment. “With a little bit of work, we can pull this plastic down and look,” he stated. According to Overbeck, you should check under the dashboard for any indications of muck, rust on the wiring, or—unusual—rust on the gas pedal.
Next he recommends to look at the carpeting, particularly behind the seats, where everything appears to be clean and dry. The Prius’s interior passed inspection. But the examination was not finished. Overbeck reached into the back of the car and moved the cargo tray over the spare tire, feeling around for traces of muck and sand.
According to Overbeck, “water can actually pool in this low point in the car.” There was no moisture in the tire well. Lastly, he advised looking for dampness inside the taillights. “It’s very easy for moisture to get into the taillight, and fill up,” he stated. Overbeck awarded the Prius a clean sheet of health despite the fact that there was dampness visible inside the headlights, which she suspects was caused by rain seeping in.
You may be thinking that this won’t affect you if you don’t live near the coast. However, scammers frequently target locations that have had flooding, according to CARFAX Editor-in-Chief Patrick Olsen, “and they will offer cash or other incentives to owners to sell their car that has been flood damaged.” According to him, people will restore cars that have been harmed by water and then resell them elsewhere in the nation. “In places like Ohio, in places like Utah, Minnesota, and Illinois,” he stated, “we see relatively high numbers there because it’s easier to sell in areas where it’s not top of mind for owners to think about flooding.”
Meanwhile, Matt Overbeck warns that electrical issues could persist indefinitely if you unintentionally purchase a car that has been flooded. “There are upwards of 80 computer modules in modern vehicles,” he stated. “If they get submerged in water, there is no way to repair it.” For this reason, you should refrain from purchasing one in order to save money.
Hurricanes and tropical storms like Helene submerge highways, houses, and thousands of automobiles. Up to 89,000 cars, according to vehicle data provider CARFAX, may suffer water damage following summer flooding incidents that occurred in June through August of this year. It is still quite possible, though, to find yourself with a flood-damaged car in the months that follow, which may end up costing you thousands of dollars in repair fees, even if you don’t live in a flood-prone location. A flooded car might be difficult to identify since dishonest dealers would clean it up, dry it off, and then sell it.
How to tell if a car has been flooded The proprietor of Overbeck Auto Services, certified mechanic Matt Overbeck, provided instructions on how to look for evidence of flood damage on a used vehicle.
He showed us around a ten-year-old Prius that appeared to have some water damage and had dampness within the headlights. According to Overbeck, the engine bay is usually hidden because dealers frequently give it a pressure wash and polish. Rather than that, he examined the interior and cautiously removed a panel located beneath the glove compartment. “With a little bit of work, we can pull this plastic down and look,” he stated. According to Overbeck, you should check under the dashboard for any indications of muck, rust on the wiring, or—unusual—rust on the gas pedal.
Next he recommends to look at the carpeting, particularly behind the seats, where everything appears to be clean and dry. The Prius’s interior passed inspection. But the examination was not finished. Overbeck reached into the back of the car and moved the cargo tray over the spare tire, feeling around for traces of muck and sand.
According to Overbeck, “water can actually pool in this low point in the car.” There was no moisture in the tire well. Lastly, he advised looking for dampness inside the taillights. “It’s very easy for moisture to get into the taillight, and fill up,” he stated. Overbeck awarded the Prius a clean sheet of health despite the fact that there was dampness visible inside the headlights, which she suspects was caused by rain seeping in.
You may be thinking that this won’t affect you if you don’t live near the coast. However, scammers frequently target locations that have had flooding, according to CARFAX Editor-in-Chief Patrick Olsen, “and they will offer cash or other incentives to owners to sell their car that has been flood damaged.” According to him, people will restore cars that have been harmed by water and then resell them elsewhere in the nation. “In places like Ohio, in places like Utah, Minnesota, and Illinois,” he stated, “we see relatively high numbers there because it’s easier to sell in areas where it’s not top of mind for owners to think about flooding.”
Meanwhile, Matt Overbeck warns that electrical issues could persist indefinitely if you unintentionally purchase a car that has been flooded. “There are upwards of 80 computer modules in modern vehicles,” he stated. “If they get submerged in water, there is no way to repair it.” For this reason, you should refrain from purchasing one in order to save money.
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