car driving on a flooded roadWhen a flood passes through, we often hear about the destruction it causes to homes and commercial buildings. Cars are another casualty; 2017’s Hurricane Harvey allegedly damaged 500,000 vehicles.

So, what happens to these cars? Most are totaled and demolished or dismantled after an inspection. Others may end up on used car lots for a very low price, often with a new Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to avoid detection.

How Bad Are Flood Waters?

When your car gets flooded, especially with salt water, that exposure:

  • Eats away at your car’s electrical system and may permanently damage its mechanical systems. After a flood, you might not be able to get your car’s doors open but damage can take weeks, months or years to surface.
  • May result in rust and corrosion, which essentially eat the car’s sheet metal from the inside out.

Has a Flood Harmed Your Car?

If a storm caused a nearby river to overflow, how do you know the flood waters affected your car?

  • Look At The Oil Indicator: If the oil level is too high, your engine may have water inside. At this point, avoid starting your car or you’ll risk further damage.
  • Consider Depth and Time: If you saw the water pass through, how deep was it, how much of it covered your car and how long did your car sit in it? The shorter the time and the shallower the water, the more salvageable your car is. However, warm weather and salt water speed up corrosion, so further factor these into your assessment.

Along with these major points, the following indicate your car will need repairs or is completely totaled:

  • Fabric Has Water Damage: You may notice signs of water damage on carpeting, upholstery, the ceiling and seatbelts.
  • Mud and Dirt Reside: With high water levels and greater exposure, debris gets lodged in your car’s crevices. You’ll spot this residue under rugs and seats and may find puddling in the trunk.
  • Damp Headlights: Your car’s headlights hold onto moisture and may have a damp, wet look after being submerged.
  • Rusting: A clear sign of a flooded car is spotting rust on the interior, where this type of wear and tear doesn’t usually occur. Check even small spaces, such as the screws under the dashboard.

With Used Cars

If you’re in the market for a used car, how do you know a model has been damaged by flood waters?

  • You spot water lines and debris behind the engine – typically a hard-to-clean spot.
  • The trunk’s interior shows signs of mud and rust.
  • The carpets smell like mildew.
  • Rust around the doors indicates the car was exposed to a high level of moisture.
  • The seats, carpet, below the dashboard and the glove compartment have debris and mud residue.
  • Discolored upholstery.
  • Mismatched parts and upholstery.
  • Not all the gauges work.

Whether you’re looking to repair your vehicle or you’re in the market for a used car, turn to DaSilva’s Auto Body. To learn more about our services, give us a call today.