Every year floods cause significant damage in Europe, with heavy rain and extreme flooding damaging thousands of cars. Many of the water-damaged vehicles are later repaired and end up on the used market as potential purchases for those looking for a used car.
Every year floods cause significant damage in Europe. Archive photo
Moreover, a significant portion of these vehicles are exported to other countries, so drivers need to be very cautious considering that a flood-damaged car could come with high repair costs.
Once the cars are dry, it can be difficult to determine if a vehicle has been affected by flooding because sellers either hide it or are unaware of it if they didn't own the car at the time of the flood. What's worse is that some problems may only become apparent after some time.
Repairs can cost thousands of euros
Although we would be tempted to think that all the used cars that have been damaged by floods come from the US, due to climate change, nowadays even vehicles that come from a neighboring European country could be affected by water.
“Real flood damage can only be felt 6 months or even a year after the car is purchased and the consequences can be serious. First of all we are dealing with accelerated corrosion, but water can also damage a car's engine, various mechanical components, the electrical system and even the batteries in hybrid or electric systems“, explained car expert Matas Buzelis.
He added that everyone knows that it is not good to own flood-damaged cars as repairs to such vehicles can cost thousands of euros in the long run. Unscrupulous sellers want to get rid of such vehicles at all costs and go to great lengths to hide their past. Therefore, as a buyer, it is important to know what signs indicate that a car has been flooded.
Electrical systems are the most sensitive
Electrical components can be damaged even by a small amount of water, therefore after flooding it is almost impossible for all electronic components in a car to function within normal parameters. If you are buying a used car it is important to check all the car's electronic functions and make sure they are working properly (from the window mechanisms to the on-board computer and multimedia system).
However, even if all electronics work perfectly at the time of testing, it is not guaranteed that the car has not been affected by flooding. Contact corrosion can cause electrical problems after several months of purchase.
“It can be difficult to assess the condition of the electrical system when you buy a used car, so it is recommended to check the car at an authorized service center. There the mechanics can take a closer look at all the components and use specialized tools to determine what their current condition is.” added the expert.
Moisture and unpleasant odors – signs of the presence of water
The presence of moisture can be a clear sign that the car has been affected by a flood. No matter how meticulously the seller tries to dry out a car, there are still several clues that may suggest flood damage. A test drive can help you see if the car's internal systems have been damaged by water. A longer engine start time, imperfect engine operation, or instant fogging of the windshield can be signs of flood damage.
“The seat upholstery of a flood-damaged car is often replaced – sometimes the seats are even replaced entirely. If you buy a 10-year-old car and the seats look perfect, they may have been replaced. In such cases, ask the seller why this was done“, explains the expert.
He pointed out that some signs of such damage can also be visible from the outside of the car. Fogged interior headlights and taillights are an indication that a vehicle may have been flooded. It's also a good idea to carefully examine the trunk and check the spare wheel area as moisture can often be found there following a flood.
Once you get into your car, pay a little more attention to the smells you smell. Dirty water from floods leaves a specific smell that is almost impossible to remove. The musty smell in the cabin is a strong sign that a vehicle has been flooded.
The car's history may indicate an increased degree of risk
In order to decide whether the car for sale is worth the asking price, it is recommended to check its history. Buyers should pay attention to the countries where the car was previously registered and whether it may have been in an area that was affected by flooding at one time.
The reports include information about natural disasters that may have affected the car. While this does not necessarily mean that the vehicle has been flooded, it may indicate that the car may have been in an area that has recently been affected by flooding. You can mention this to the mechanic so that he evaluates the car carefully in the service.
“A flood-damaged car can not only be expensive to fix, but it can also be unsafe to drive. It's best to avoid such vehicles, no matter how good they look from the outside“, concludes the car expert.
