Dealing with Flood Damage in Cars

Oct 31, 2019 | Automotive Advice, Battery, Blog, Brakes, Car Maintenance, Seasonal Care, Total Car Care

Flooding in Miami

Dealing with Flood Damage in Cars

Living in Florida, flooded cars are not uncommon, whether it’s your own or a used car you’re looking at buying. Most are reported to insurance so taking a look at the car’s history will show that it was in a flood. Either way, there are a few signs you can look out for that will tell you the car has been in a flood and how extensive the damage may be.

Signs of Flood Damage in Cars

Flood waters will damage a whole range of parts and many flood damaged cars are refurbished and sold again. It’s important to know subtle indications that the car you’re looking at was in a flood. While it may be okay, you still want to know the full history of the car you’re purchasing. Likewise, if your car was in a flood, you can look for these same signs to start assessing how much damage was done.

Inspect the Interior

The first thing you can do is pay attention to the smell inside the car. If it smells musty or even strongly of air freshener, it’s cause for concern. A flood-damaged car is likely to have a musty smell from damp upholstery and carpet, but that smell is often covered up by a strong air freshener. If you’re looking at a used car that smells a little too clean, take note. Similarly, pay attention to any loose, stained, or un matching upholstery or carpeting – or even if it’s all new. These are all signs that you’re dealing with a flood-damaged car.

Next, you can check around the dashboard. Look for brittle wires, any mud or silt in the glove box, rust, or moisture beads in the instrument panel. Another trick is to turn on the radio – if it sounds distorted, the paper speaker cones were likely damaged by flood water.

It’s also a good idea to run a full test of all components. Make sure the air conditioning, wipers, interior and exterior lights, and turn signals all work properly and show no indication of water damage.

Check Under the Hood

First of all, look for any rust around the hood or latch, as this will indicate flood damage. You can also look for any debris that may have been carried into the engine by floodwaters and left there.

Finally, use the dipstick to check the car’s engine oil. If water got in the oil, it will look murky. When you pull out the dipstick, you should be able to tell if the oil is normal. If you suspect there is water mixed in the oil, flood damage is likely to blame and the car will require an oil change – at minimum.

What to Do if You Have or Suspect Flood Damage

Whether you’re dealing with your own car or a used car you’re thinking of buying, if you suspect flood damage, you should head to a mechanic. Flood damage is a common central Florida auto repair and the best way to be sure your car is in good shape is by having it inspected.

If You’re Thinking of Buying the Car

When buying a car you suspect has flood damage – hold off. You want to be sure any car you are purchasing is in good shape before agreeing to anything, so if you notice any of the above signs, ask for more information about the car’s history. If they cannot provide proof the car wasn’t in a flood or are hesitant to provide more information, you’re best finding another car. However, if you want to be sure, a mechanic can do an inspection and tell you if anything is wrong with the car – just do this before signing any agreements.

Vehicle Traversing Flood Waters
Car getting stuck in flood water

If Your Car Has Flood Damage

If you’re dealing with a flooded car you already own, you’ll want to review your insurance policy and file a claim to get any necessary repairs covered.

It’s also important to hold off on starting your car. First, evaluate potential damage as best you can without starting the car. Pay attention to the water level as indicated by any debris left in or on the car. There may even be a line along the side of the car showing how high up the water went. If you can tell it stayed below the engine, your car is likely still in good shape.

Once you communicate with insurance, they’ll have your car inspected to assess necessary repairs and determine whether to pay for repairs or total the car. If you end up doing repairs, you’ll have to choose a trusted mechanic to carry them out.

AAMCO Central Florida Can Assess the Damage

Whether you own a flooded car or want to be safe when buying a used car, you can trust AAMCO Central Florida to accurately assess any flood damage and necessary auto repair services. As a provider of total car services, our expert mechanics are here to make sure your car is safe to drive.

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