Over time, unprotected parts of wiring will rust, eventually causing a break in
current. Sooner or later intermittent electrical glitches will occur, sensors
will fail and red lights will start to flash. Trouble-shooting to find damaged
wiring can be a time consuming and ultimately costly business.
Protect yourself by making a few straight forward checks to spot a potential
flood damaged car
Remember, every used car is a potential
flood damaged car. There is
plenty of choice out there so never be rushed into a sale.
Checking the
Vehicle Identification Number will tell you if the car has a secret history.
Rust on the metal parts of the underside of the driver and passenger seats
should be an immediate turn-off.
It is normal for a small amount of rust to be present, but if the exhaust and
underside of the car show extensive signs of rust it is a potential red flag.
It may sound funny, but if a car literally doesn't smell right, then walk away.
The smell could be mould or damp.
Also, the brakes on a car are a dead give away for revealing potential
flood
water exposure. At any rate, inspecting the breaks on any used car is
sound practise.
Check the fluids (oil and water) to ascertain whether water has penetrated the
system. Look for a chocolate milkshake consistency in the oil and water, and a
strawberry colour in oil, transmission (gearbox) and power steering fluids.
