| Flooded Vehicle - is considered, a vehicle that was | | | | grow, especially if the flood occurred in a hot and |
| damaged by water level raised to seating level. Most | | | | humid location. |
| flood damaged cars, trucks and SUVs are sent to a | | | | IV) Look for Mismatched Interior Components |
| salvage yard, but some are cleaned up and put into | | | | Does the carpeting look brand new or mismatched or |
| the auto market where they'll be bought by | | | | too new for the vehicle? Do seat covers seem out of |
| unsuspecting buyers who think they're getting a great | | | | place with the carpeting? Components that don't |
| deal. | | | | match-up might have been changed in a hurry after |
| Flooded water leaves long lasting damage. Electrical | | | | the vehicle was pulled from flood waters. |
| and mechanical components will probably fail early. | | | | V) Request free advice from CarSnaps |
| Mold and mildew can also create a serious problem. | | | | Contact and request free advice from their qualified |
| Any remaining warranty is voided. While buying a used | | | | technicians who are there to help and it is free so |
| car be on the lookout for these cars even if you don't | | | | there is nothing to lose. |
| live in a flooded area, because dishonest people move | | | | VI) Let Your Technician Examine the Vehicle |
| them around. Here are some tips and points to detect | | | | Take the vehicle to a technician if possible and ask for |
| flooded vehicles. | | | | a thorough examination. Experienced auto technicians |
| I) Get a Vehicle History Report | | | | see evidence of flood damage more often than most |
| Enter the vehicle's VIN number to get a history report. | | | | individuals do, so they know exactly what to look for. |
| Carfax does a great job of researching a vehicle's | | | | VII) Turn it On and Go for a Drive |
| background, but a clean slate is not a 100% guarantee | | | | Turn the car on and check every electrical system |
| that the car or truck hasn't suffered water damage. | | | | possible, including the exterior and interior lights, the |
| You can also contact CarSnaps and ask them for | | | | gauges, the clock and the audio system and the dash |
| advice or request a vehicle background report. | | | | lights that display air bag and seat belt information. Go |
| II) Look for Moisture. | | | | for a drive and test electrical components again to |
| Look for moisture within the lights. Check the glove | | | | make sure they work correctly. 90% of the time you |
| compartment, console and trunk and inspect them for | | | | will be able to suspect an electrical problem with |
| any sign of dampness moisture or the dirt that looks | | | | flooded vehicle unless it is repaired or electrical parts |
| like a leftover from a flood. Look under the hood for | | | | are not damaged which is very rare though. |
| accumulated dirt or signs of rust. Check under the | | | | Flooded vehicles should be avoided as much as |
| seats for signs of moisture. | | | | possible even if seller tell you about the manufacturer |
| III) Take a deep Sniff | | | | warranty because warranty voids when a car goes |
| This can really help in detecting flooded vehicles. Do | | | | through a flood. If you suspect a flooded vehicle walk |
| you smell a sour, mildewy-like odor? Soaked seats, | | | | away from it. Flooded vehicles are not worth the |
| carpeting and other components are difficult to dry in a | | | | hassle they provide. |
| hurry, so there's plenty of time for mold and mildew to | | | | |