Learn About Flood Damage and Flood Repairs on Used Cars

By Ron Haugen

With so many natural disasters occurring, including floods and hurricanes, knowing how to spot flood damage in a vehicle is critical. Some damage is relatively minor but most can ruin the value and operation of the car. Good dealers can make flood-damaged cars look great, but they cannot remove the risk.

Consider several factors that can influence the damage done by a flood.

1. How deeply was the car underwater? If the water did not reach the electronics, the vehicle might suffer rust or corrosion, but it might not have major or even life-threatening problems. Deeply submerged cars run a significant risk for dangerous problems.
2. How long was the car under water? Longer submersions equal greater damage.
3. Was it fresh water or salt water that flooded the car? Salt water causes more corrosion and faster corrosion than fresh water.

Check for indicators of severe floodwater damage when inspecting and test driving any car.

1. Look at the car title. If it says "Flood" or "Salvage" on it, it was deemed irreparable by an insurance company, a bank or an owner. Expect problems unless major, expensive repairs were done.
2. Beware of prices far below market value. Flood damage voids the manufacturer's warranty. Unless the seller can prove they completed major restoration and repair, buyers take a big financial risk for major repairs. Consider the cost of these likely repairs when deciding how much to pay for the car.
3. Most flood-damaged cars will have very low or no resale value if the new owner attempts to sell them later.
4. Ask the dealer if there was any flood damage, and make them put the answer in writing. If they hesitate or refuse, be concerned.
5. Be alert to odors of mold and mildew. These are very difficult to remove and indicate the car sat in significant amounts of water. Similarly, strong air fresheners may indicate attempts to cover up bad odors.
6. Check hidden areas for moisture.

1. Check the carpet and underneath the carpet if possible.
2. Check the trunk for moisture.
3. Feel the material underneath the spare tire.
4. Check the headlights, taillights, mirrors and instrument panels for moisture or a foggy appearance. This indicates water inside the area.
5. Check for dampness or water lines in the overhang inside the wheel wells.
6. Feel underneath seats and in the seating tracks for dampness.
7. Feel inside the glove box for moisture.
8. Look at the oil on the engine dipstick. Water-affected oil may be pale or milky, and it may be sticky to the touch.

7. Debris inside the car or engine compartment, engine crevices, around wiring, inside or under the dashboard may indicate the car was underwater.
8. Look for rust and corrosion on metal surfaces such as hinges, springs, screws and latches. Check for corrosion where the car doors meet the auto body. Seat springs and the undercarriage of the car may also show signs of rust and corrosion.
9. Examine the interior upholstery of the car. Look for water stains on the surfaces of seats and underneath seats. Be suspicious if the carpet in an old car looks brand new. Make sure the fabric on doors and the headliner are about the same age as the carpet and the car. Another clue is mismatched upholstery where some sections are faded, others are newer, or patterns are not aligned.
10. Test the electronic systems before and during a test drive

1. Bend a few electrical wires under the dashboard. If they are brittle, it is probably due to water damage.
2. During the test drive, listen for odd sounds during starting. See if the car smokes during starting.
3. Check to make sure all dash lights come on, including backlighting, when starting the car.
4. Make sure the headlights, taillights, turn signals and emergency blinkers work.
5. Turn on windshield wipers, air conditioning and heater to make sure they work.
6. Test the radio. Distorted audio, severe static or lack of audio can be the result of water damage.

The best way to determine if a car has flood damage is to have it inspected by your own mechanic. Good mechanics know where to look for indicators of problems, and they can get to difficult places like alternators, pumps and some wiring. Mechanics should remove the wheels and inspect all brake parts and components for silt and mud. Used cars represent a significant investment, so make sure to get one that will not cost even more money down the road.


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