When a flood sweeps through, the damage to homes and businesses is often the first thing people think of. However, vehicles are also heavily impacted. For example, during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, over 500,000 cars were reportedly damaged by floodwaters. These vehicles can suffer from severe and long-term issues, making it crucial to understand what happens after such an event.
Most flooded cars are either declared total losses and scrapped or dismantled after a thorough inspection. Others may end up on used car lots, sometimes with altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to hide their flood history. This practice makes it harder for buyers to identify potentially unsafe or unreliable vehicles.
### How Dangerous Are Flood Waters?
Floodwaters, especially saltwater, can be extremely damaging to a vehicle. Here's why:
- **Electrical and Mechanical Damage**: Water can seep into the car’s electrical system, causing short circuits and permanent damage. Even if the car starts, hidden issues may arise weeks or months later.
- **Rust and Corrosion**: Water accelerates rust, which can eat away at metal components from the inside out. This affects not just the body but also critical parts like the frame and undercarriage.
### Did the Flood Affect Your Car?
If your area experienced flooding, here are some signs that your vehicle may have been affected:
- **Oil Level Check**: If the oil level is higher than normal, it could mean water has mixed with the engine oil. Avoid starting the car until it’s inspected.
- **Water Depth and Duration**: The longer your car was submerged and the deeper the water, the more likely it is to be totaled. Saltwater and warm temperatures can speed up corrosion.
Other indicators include:
- **Water Damage to Fabric**: Look for dampness or mold on carpets, seats, and seatbelts.
- **Mud and Debris**: Floodwaters can leave behind dirt and grime in hard-to-reach areas like under seats or in the trunk.
- **Damp Headlights**: Moisture trapped inside headlights can cause them to look foggy or wet.
- **Rust Inside the Car**: Rust in unusual places, like under the dashboard or around door frames, is a red flag.
### Tips for Buying a Used Car
If you're looking for a used car, watch out for these signs that the vehicle may have been flooded:
- **Water Lines Behind the Engine**: This is a common spot where debris and water can get trapped.
- **Mud and Rust in the Trunk**: These are clear signs of exposure to floodwater.
- **Mildew Smell in Carpets**: A musty odor is a strong indicator of water damage.
- **Rust Around Doors**: This suggests high moisture levels.
- **Debris in Seats and Under the Dashboard**: Flooding can leave behind dirt and grime in unexpected places.
- **Discolored Upholstery**: Water can cause fading or discoloration.
- **Mismatched Parts**: Sometimes, flood-damaged cars are repaired with non-original parts.
- **Non-Working Gauges**: Electrical issues from water exposure can affect the car’s dashboard.
Whether you need repairs or are shopping for a used car, it’s important to be informed. At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we specialize in helping customers navigate the challenges of flood-damaged vehicles. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make the right decision.
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