To untrained eyes, signs of flood damage on a car can be quite difficult to discern but make no mistake, even if it looks great, a flooded car could be plagued with many problems that pose a major risk to its current owner and potential buyers.
Used car buyers should always keep an eye out for deals that are too good to be true because they might be dealing with a car that has been flooded. Here are the dangers of buying a flooded car and signs you can look out for to avoid buying one.
Why Are Flooded Cars Dangerous
Health Issues
A major problem for a car that has been flooded and was not cleaned properly is that it could lead to dangerous health issues.
The primary reason being floodwater is not exactly clean. It carries unseen germs and waste which could lead to unpleasant smells and unhealthy bacteria lingering within the nooks and crannies of your car.
Not to mention, the damp condition of the car could cause mold to develop, which in turn will cause respiratory problems to the driver and the passengers if left unattended.
Engine Problems
Engine and floodwater are not a good combination. When floodwater reaches the engine, it contaminates the oil that keeps mechanical components inside the engine running smoothly and it could also damage the components in your engine.
All these could lead to accelerated wear and tear, which could result in unforeseen accidents in the future. Trying to fix a submerged car usually is very costly and there is no guarantee that it will be able to run without issues in time to come.
Voided Warranty
Usually, a manufacturer’s warranty offers protection from certain mechanical and electrical issues with your car. They are not designed to cover you from natural occurrences such as flooding.
When a car is involved in a flood, the warranty will be voided. Without a warranty, fixing a car could be expensive and you might need to spend more money to purchase an extended warranty package for the said car.
Signs a Car Has Been Flooded
Bad Odor
The easiest way to tell if the car has been exposed to large amounts of water is by sniffing it. A car’s interior has lots of water-absorbing components like the carpet, seats, sponges in the door trims, and many more.
Unless proper steps have been taken to completely clean and dry these components, residual flood water will still be trapped inside them, causing musty smells and accelerating the growth of mold and fungi.
If you can detect damp, moldy aromas all over the car and you can see mildew forming on the window, you’re probably looking at a flood-affected car.
Faulty Electronics
Modern cars are usually equipped with lots of electronic parts that allow the car to run in optimum condition. However, when a car is flooded, these parts will definitely be affected since they’re prone to water damage.
Be sure to check every electrical part such as headlights, power window, radio, and others to see if they’re working properly and make sure that no warning lights are on when the engine is running as well as when you are driving the car.
If you’re facing issues with any of them, a further investigation might be needed.
Rust All Over
Another major sign that shows a car has been flooded is excessive rusting. Normally, some parts of the car will be affected by rust, but flooding will accelerate and spread the development of rust.
You should check for rust under the interior carpets, the seat railings, and the space where the spare tire is located as well. These spots are usually affected when a car is flooded and without proper drying and cleaning, will lead to the formation of rust.
Read: How to Drive Through Flooded Roads
Stay Flood Free with Carsome Certified Cars
It may be difficult to ensure the car you’re buying is in top-notch condition but with Carsome, the process of buying a pre-owned car is made as transparent, seamless, and convenient as possible.
All Carsome Certified cars have gone through an extensive 175-point inspection that is conducted by our certified inspectors. This inspection goes beyond spotting the usual wear and tear, it also ensures that our cars are free from damages including flood, fire, and frame, as well as major accidents. Hence, you can be assured all Carsome Certified cars are absolutely free from flood damage.
The car’s condition is assessed thoroughly according to Carsome Certified standards. This includes detailed checks on the car’s exterior and interiors such as the body and paint condition, engine, tires, air condition system, and the likes to make sure we select only the best quality cars
Our car listing also includes clear photos of the car, a 360-degree view of selected cars, and a detailed inspection report that you can view online to give you peace of mind when buying a car with us.
Make It Carsome for Peace of Mind
So, if you are looking for a quality pre-owned car, with our largest selection of over 1,000 pre-owned cars that have been inspected thoroughly to ensure it’s free from flood damage, you can definitely find one that suits your needs.
Additionally, all Carsome Certified cars go through a Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process at our Carsome Certified Lab.
Read: Here’s How Carsome Refurbishes Pre-owned Cars to Be as Good as New
Also, to provide you with peace of mind with your purchase, all Carsome Certified cars come with our Carsome Promise.
This is our Carsome Promise to you.
- Five-day money-back guarantee: If you buy a pre-owned car from Carsome and decide to change your mind, you can return it back to us within five days to get a full refund. No questions asked!
- Professional inspection: All Carsome Certified cars have passed a thorough 175-point inspection to ensure it is free from major accidents and does not have frame, fire, or flood damage.
- One-year warranty: For your peace of mind, we will provide you with a one-year warranty to ensure your car is road-worthy.
- Fixed price: You will only pay the price we display, with no hidden fees.
Remember, try to avoid pre-owned cars that show signs of being flooded as they usually come with issues and signs that are harmful to you. If you’re looking for quality pre-owned cars, why not give Carsome a try? With more than 1,000 cars to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find one that suits your needs.
