Storms continue to lash parts of the United States after a particularly damaging past few months, with record amounts of rain recorded. The West Coast, in particular, has been hit by multiple “atmospheric rivers” of precipitation, with unprecedented flooding that virtually ended extensive droughts in California, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
And it’s not over yet. NOAA warns that about 44% of the United States is at risk of flooding this spring due to ongoing downpours and today’s massive California snowpack poised to melt and send trillions of gallons of water into the of the ground
In addition to the tragic loss of homes and lives, the nation’s water problems have (and will likely continue to) adversely affect thousands of vehicles, ranging from daily drivers to exotic sports cars, with cars damaged by floods and/or or embedded in mud. to get back on the road or put them up for sale in the coming months.
As it stands, an estimated 399,000 flood-damaged cars from the wave of hurricanes that hit southern and eastern states in 2022 are still being driven, either by their original owners or by unsuspecting subsequent buyers.
In addition to the obvious damage to a vehicle’s upholstery and carpets, flood water is a corrosive, abrasive mixture of water and dirt (and sometimes salt) that works its way pretty much everywhere inside a vehicle. vehicle It can be especially hard on electronics, lubricants, mechanical parts and even safety systems like airbags and anti-lock brakes, with road failures almost certain. Plus, hidden mold and mildew buildups can wreak havoc with allergies and even trigger asthma attacks.
As if that wasn’t enough, a few electric cars have shorted out and subsequently caught fire after being submerged in water for extended periods.
A thorough cleaning and reconditioning is usually not worth the money and/or effort, as flood-ravaged vehicles are often declared a total loss by insurance companies.
Flooded cars and trucks are legally required to have their titles labeled as recovered. They are usually sold to car graveyards and vehicle rebuilders for the components that can still be reused. However, some flood-damaged vehicles will carry titles marked “rebuilt,” while others will receive illegally altered documentation. And even more that weren’t insured or didn’t have enough damage to be totaled will be cleaned up and put up for sale.
Those looking for a used car, truck or SUV should have a trusted mechanic take a look at any model under consideration, both to assess its mechanical condition and to determine if it has been flooded. It is also wise to have a title check done to ensure the vehicle has not been declared wrecked or repossessed. Otherwise, it is essential to use your eyes and nose to detect whether a particular vehicle has sustained water damage:
• Check the interior of the vehicle and the engine compartment for water and sand. Look for rust on the center console screws or other areas that may have been submerged.
• Open the hood and look for mud or debris in the crevices, behind the wiring and in and around the components.
• Check the electrical wiring and relays in the engine compartment and under the dashboard for corrosion or water deposits.
• Lift up a corner of the carpet (both in the passenger compartment and in the trunk) to look for water marks or stains, signs of rust, and signs of mold or musty odors.
• Check if there is still water hidden in the dashboard and interior storage compartments.
• Check under the dash for frayed wiring and signs of dried mud and other deposits.
• Look for moisture or condensation on the headlights and taillights, instrument panel gauges, and even the overhead dome light.
• Check the wheel wells, door surrounds, hood and trunk panels for signs of rust, and look for bubbles in the paint finish.
• Start the vehicle and look for smoke, strange smells or vibrations, and make sure everything is in good working order.
If any degree of water damage is suspected, experts say it’s best to walk away from the offer, no matter how attractive the price. While it may look good, be reasonably priced, and start right away, a flooded car could end up costing an unsuspecting owner a lot of money for the unexpected, not to mention extensive repairs over the miles ahead. .
The content above was 100% generated by a human contributor.
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