Flooding damages large numbers of vehicles every year. Consumers need to be aware that flood damaged vehicles can appear on used car lots far away from where the flooding occurred. A vehicle may have been cleaned up and won't show visible signs of damage but there are usually long-term effects. The vehicle may prematurely rust, wiring becomes brittle or breaks, the electrical and mechanical systems break down, and corrosion can damage vital components.

It's smart to have a mechanic inspect a used vehicle before you buy it whether you suspect flood damage or not.

Signs

Some signs that a vehicle has been flooded include:

• Rust inside the vehicle and around the doors.
• New upholstery or carpeting. It may also be loose or doesn't match.
• Mud or silt in the glove compartments, pockets, or under the seats.
• Brittle wires around the dashboard.
• Smells of mold or mildew.
• Mud and debris in hard to clean places such as in the trunk and under the hood.
• A waterline may be visible on the lens or reflector in the lights.

This article from HowStuffWorks provide more ways to spot a flood-damaged vehicle.

It's smart to have a mechanic inspect a used vehicle before you buy it whether you suspect flood damage or not.