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How to Detect a Vehicle was Involved in a Flood
All About Hybrids
How to Detect a Vehicle was Involved in a Flood Every year, hundreds
of unsuspecting consumers purchase a vehicle that was involved
in a flood. Thanks to AAA and Thomas McLaughlin,
author of the following article, we are able to provide you with helpful
information about how to detect a vehicle's "sopping" past.
Automotive 101: There’s a Fish in the Glove Box
How to avoid buying a flood vehicle
Over the last year, floods have dominated the headlines, especially
following the damage Hurricane Katrina left along the Gulf of Mexico
coast. It is estimated that Katrina alone left more than 600,000 vehicles
under water.
What happens to these vehicles? In some  cases, they are damaged beyond
repair due to collisions with other debris and are scrapped. Other
vehicles were simply submerged, then drained when the water subsided.
Once these vehicles are cleaned up, they can look and run like new
... briefly.
Some unscrupulous used-car dealers are attracted to these vehicles
because of the huge profit potential if they are able to sell them
without disclosing their time under water. Insurance companies normally
declare these vehicles as total losses, which usually results in a “branded” title
indicating the salvage nature of the vehicle. Dishonest dealers, however,
can manipulate the vehicle titles through states that do not necessarily
continue the “branding” on their state’s titles.
That can take care of the documentation problem for the dealers. The
next challenge is to clean and/or disguise the evidence of damage
incurred in the flood.
Flood damage evidence can be split into three major categories: cosmetic,
mechanical and electrical. Flood evidence in any category indicates
probable damage in the other two categories. When you are considering
the purchase of a used vehicle, if you do not know the car’s
complete history, check for flood evidence as described here. A vehicle
history from Carfax (aaa.com/auto) should indicate any insurance activity
associated with a flood claim.
One key to discovering the truth about these vehicles is to inspect
places that are difficult to clean. Reach under dashboards, seats
and carpeting (when accessible without disassembly), where cleaning
would be difficult, and feel around for evidence of mud or other water-borne
debris. New carpeting and upholstery in an older vehicle can be a
tip-off. Be suspicious of moldy smells and/or heavy deodorizers. Look
for corrosion on interior metals that would indicate the previous
presence of significant moisture. Outside the car, look for unusual
amounts of surface rust under the hood and under the body. Rusty fuel
and brake lines are especially alarming.
The first place to look for mechanical evidence is the engine and
transmission dipsticks. Any water intrusion will mix with the detergent
additives in the engine oil and transmission fluid and leave a bubbly,
milkshake-like coating on internal component surfaces that are exposed
to the lubricants. This frothy covering is difficult and expensive
to remove. Most other fluid reservoirs will be similarly affected.
Severely overfilled oil pans and reservoirs can indicate trapped water,
also. Check for caked mud in hard-to-reach areas in the core of the
radiator and the air-conditioning condenser in front of the radiator.
The fine, multiple cooling fins on these components make them difficult
to clean, but they will easily trap mud and debris while submerged.
Electrical problems are the most frustrating difficulty on a flooded
vehicle. Water intrusion, particularly from salt water, can generate
computer corrosion problems that might not surface for months. Water
is an excellent conductor of electricity, causing electrical shorts,
blown fuses and burnt wires and components. These problems will occur
soon after the vehicle is back on solid ground. Corrosion is the lurking,
unpredictable monster that will haunt the vehicle with problems that
are frequently difficult to diagnose and repair. Look for mud or other
flood evidence inside plastic harness covers, in fuse boxes (pull
a fuse and look at the connections) and inside parking light lenses.
If your inspection leaves you with any doubt and you still want the
vehicle, have a competent technician inspect the vehicle for flood
evidence before you commit to the purchase.
—Thomas McLaughlin, manager, AAA Mid-Atlantic Approved
Auto Repair
AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities have proven their ability
to perform automotive services at the highest level of technical competence
and integrity. To find the AAR facility nearest you, visit www.aaa.com/auto or call 800/957-9222.
This article originally appeared in AAA World magazine, January/February
2006 issue. Used with permission.
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All About Hybrids
How reliable are hybrid vehicles? The Union of Concerned Scientists
has dedicated a website to hybrids, at www.hybridcenter.org.
It includes a Consumer Center equipped with a Buyer’s Guide, manufacturers’ comparison
chart, reviews, as well as a technical center. Be in the know!
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