Flooding is a major event in a person’s life that can cause catastrophic damage to their home, their vehicle and their livelihood. In recent weeks, Arizona has seen heavy rains which have led to road and parking lot flooding. Now that the weather has begun to clear up, it is time to survey the damage and acknowledge what we need to do. Some of the results are obvious to the human eye while others take a little more time and experience to decipher. Nonetheless, if you have endured a flood, your vehicle may have damage that you need to inspect. Similarly, vehicles being sold in flooded areas could also have hidden damage that you need to be fully aware of.

Damage to vehicles from water can have short term and long term impacts. Some may seem to be only cosmetic, but that is likely not the case. For car owners, knowing how to deal with water damage is essential in ensuring that your vehicle is safe to drive. Prospective buyers also need to know the signs of water damage so that they do not end up paying money for repairs down the road. Knowing the signs and what to look for can make you a smart consumer. Find out what to do if your vehicle is flooded, how to assess and stop further damage, and how to spot flood damage when you shop for a car.

What should you check if your car is flooded? Start by checking your oil indicator. A high oil level may tell you there is water in the engine. Do not start or run your car because this could cause severe damage. Next, measure the depth of water that submerged your car. Then, determine how long your vehicle was submerged for. The shorter the time, the more salvageable any damaged parts may be. Fresh water causes less damage to your car than salt water.

What should you look for when car shopping? Truth be told, there are many cars sitting on used cars lots which have been damaged by floods. With that being said, buying from a reputable dealer is the key.  If you think the vehicle might have been damaged in a flood and the title is not stamped “Salvage” or “Flood,” ask for the car’s history to see if it came from a state that recently experienced flooding. You can also look for dried mud or rust in the glove compartment, trunk, under the dashboard, seats and carpet. Look for discolored, faded or stained upholstery or carpeting. If the carpeting fits loosely or the color does not match the interior, it may have been replaced because the vehicle was flood damaged.

Spending a little extra time to thoroughly check out a used car before you buy it can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Working with a trusted auto repair shop can also save you money. Take the time to bring your vehicle in for a pre-purchase inspection and we will give you our expert opinion about the state of your vehicle or finish the necessary repairs your vehicle may need after unfortunate flood and water damage.