Consumer warning: How to spot a used car damaged by flooding

ROCHESTER, NY – If you’re looking for a used car, consider buying a car with history. You don’t want a flood to become part of your vehicle’s history.

“The biggest concern with a car that has suffered flood damage is the long-term effects on the electrical system, which you may not notice at first. But even beyond this, rust can form on the metal parts. And even the tires and stuff like that. You don’t want them to be submerged for an extended period of time, the brake components and all those things you don’t want to be submerged for an extended period of time,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Iseecars.com.

Today’s cars are computers on wheels. And there are two things that definitely don’t mix: electronics and water.

Cars damaged by floods are almost always a total loss. However, the damage is reported via an insurance claim. Unscrupulous sellers may try to clean up and sell the car without reporting it to the insurance company, especially if they only have liability insurance. But if you know what to look for, you can almost always spot the telltale signs of flood damage, such as mud in places it shouldn’t be.

If you have a car and are concerned that it may have flood damage, you should look at the lower parts of the car’s interior where it usually accumulates: the spare tire well or under the carpet. Or look at the underside of the car and the suspension components.

Years ago, a News10NBC viewer approached Deanna Dewberry, who had purchased a used car that she suspected had been affected by a flood. So Deanna brought in a mechanic with years of experience. First he opened the trunk and took out the carpet and the spare tire. And there was a buildup of mud around the bolts that even the best detailed work couldn’t remove.

It is always recommended to have your used car inspected by a mechanic before signing on the dotted line.

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