Car buyers beware of flood damaged vehicles

Heavy rain, flooding and standing water may mean difficult and expensive automotive repairs for owners of flood-damaged vehicles, according to AAA Oklahoma.

It is also important to know if the used car you are thinking of buying has been damaged by water.

"In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that forces its way into every seam and crevice of an automobile," said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. If the car has been completely or partially submerged, it may be necessary to disassemble all mechanical parts for thorough cleaning and lubrication.

"Most vulnerable are the engine, transmission, steering and braking system," said Mai. "Unless completely removed, dirt and other contaminants can cause premature wear of vital components and shorten the life of the vehicle."

"The car's electrical system also is vulnerable to the damaging effects of flood water and water-sensitive components may need to be replaced," Mai said. "Engine computers and other electronic devices can sometimes be salvaged, but corrosion and oxidation can occur several weeks after the components are cleaned."

Car buyers should be aware that flood damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale and could be in the marketplace for many months. Having a vehicle inspected by a qualified technician and checking its title history will help determine whether it sustained flood damage.

A tell-tale sign of flood damage on new and used cars is the presence of dried mud on components under the hood. A damp or musty odor in the trunk or interior is another warning sign. In older cars, new carpet and upholstery may indicate flood damage.

Flex some of the wires beneath the dash board. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.