Are you planning of getting a used or second-hand car to save a couple of bucks? If yes, then it's necessary to make sure that you are going to get a car that is in good condition and not some car damaged by flood. In areas prone to typhoons, hurricanes and floods, people are getting their car insured by auto insurance companies in order for them to get a check for their car's market value in case it got damaged by calamities. However, also in the same areas exist criminals who are into selling flood-damaged vehicles. Surely, no one will buy flood damaged vehicles so these people often repair the cars and make it look as if it's in good condition before selling it. Unsuspecting customers will definitely think the car is in good condition and will make the purchase. In order to avoid experiencing such incident, it's best to check the car properly first. In this article you'll be given ideas in purchasing used cars ---- what to look for so that you can avoid purchasing a flood-damage car.
Although criminals are trying hard to cover up the damage of the car, there are still things that they could have neglected or overlooked and these things often come in minute details. Hence, when engaging in a car search, be sure to check the vehicle's dashboard, floor and glove compartment. Mud, rust or stains can be found in these areas if it has been soaked in water. Sellers of flood-damage vehicles will mostly try to change the upholstery and carpet of the car since it will greatly show that water has got inside the car. Therefore, if you noticed that the car's upholstery and carpet are loose and don't fit properly, then you can say that the car is probably damaged by flood. If they fit perfectly then try to look for faded, stained or discolored areas. Water can cause the car's carpet and upholstery to fade, discolor or get stained.
It is not only enough to check the vehicle's flooring, seats, upholstery and dashboard to know if it has been flooded. You also need to check its accessory lights and warning lights when you turn it on. See if the ABS lights, interior, exterior and signal lights are all working well. See to it that the airbag is also functioning properly. Also test the car's equipment like air conditioner, radio and heater by switching it on and off couple of times to make sure they are perfectly fine.
Underneath the car's dashboard, you can find few wires. You can use these wires to know if the car has been soaked in water. Check the wires and try to flex them. Usually, wires that have been soaked in water and then dried up get brittle hence when you flex them, they often crack. Sniff the car's interior. If all you smell is the scent of the car deodorizer, then the seller is perhaps trying to hide something. On the other hand, if you smell musty odor or mud, then the car is indeed flood damaged.
Normally, a car seller will let you know the history of the car by showing you its history report. But, if the seller fails to do that, then get the identification number of the vehicle which can be found in the car's dashboard so you may have its history checked. It'll also be wise if you let a professional car technician examine and check the car's anti-lock brake, electronic and transmission systems before purchasing the vehicle. This way you will be spared from the troubles and repair expenses the car may bring if it is flood-damaged.
Although criminals are trying hard to cover up the damage of the car, there are still things that they could have neglected or overlooked and these things often come in minute details. Hence, when engaging in a car search, be sure to check the vehicle's dashboard, floor and glove compartment. Mud, rust or stains can be found in these areas if it has been soaked in water. Sellers of flood-damage vehicles will mostly try to change the upholstery and carpet of the car since it will greatly show that water has got inside the car. Therefore, if you noticed that the car's upholstery and carpet are loose and don't fit properly, then you can say that the car is probably damaged by flood. If they fit perfectly then try to look for faded, stained or discolored areas. Water can cause the car's carpet and upholstery to fade, discolor or get stained.
It is not only enough to check the vehicle's flooring, seats, upholstery and dashboard to know if it has been flooded. You also need to check its accessory lights and warning lights when you turn it on. See if the ABS lights, interior, exterior and signal lights are all working well. See to it that the airbag is also functioning properly. Also test the car's equipment like air conditioner, radio and heater by switching it on and off couple of times to make sure they are perfectly fine.
Underneath the car's dashboard, you can find few wires. You can use these wires to know if the car has been soaked in water. Check the wires and try to flex them. Usually, wires that have been soaked in water and then dried up get brittle hence when you flex them, they often crack. Sniff the car's interior. If all you smell is the scent of the car deodorizer, then the seller is perhaps trying to hide something. On the other hand, if you smell musty odor or mud, then the car is indeed flood damaged.
Normally, a car seller will let you know the history of the car by showing you its history report. But, if the seller fails to do that, then get the identification number of the vehicle which can be found in the car's dashboard so you may have its history checked. It'll also be wise if you let a professional car technician examine and check the car's anti-lock brake, electronic and transmission systems before purchasing the vehicle. This way you will be spared from the troubles and repair expenses the car may bring if it is flood-damaged.
