how to detect a damaged used car?

When buying a used car, it is not always easy to know if it has been damaged, or if it has been flooded. Here’s how to detect it.

In recent weeks, France has been affected by bad weather sudden and extreme. Many vehicles were damaged, particularly by floodsand can subsequently end up on the second-hand market… Here’s how to know if they have been affected.

A common scam on the second-hand market

It is not uncommon for flooded cars to be “refurbished” to be resold on the second-hand market. This is a common practice in the United States, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and even France… And which is not without risks for potential future customers.
“Water can damage a car’s electrical system, engine and various mechanical components. Although sellers can dry out and repair a flood-damaged car, the consequences of flooding may not become apparent until six months after the vehicle is purchased.specifies Matas Buzelis, automotive expert at carVertical, a company specializing in vehicle history and automotive data.
Of course, as a used car buyer, you want to avoid the vehicles damaged by floods or other weather phenomena, but however, some unscrupulous sellers do not hesitate to hide this information. Here’s how to detect it.

Here’s how to detect a car that has been flooded

To detect a used car potentially damaged by flooding, there are several clues that can alert you. When a car has been submerged in water, it is difficult to dry and clean it completely: be careful if you notice any damage. musty smell inside the car, which can reveal the presence of excessive moisture in the seats, upholstery or other insulation. You can also turn on the air conditioning, so the bad smell can reveal the presence of bacteria and mold in the event of immersion: if this is the case, run away!
Also check the inside of the optics for traces of humidity or wateror even the inside of the trunk or the location of the spare wheel: be careful if you find traces of water or humidity there. This can indicate the occurrence of a disaster linked to flooding, but not exclusively: sometimes, it can also be due to a simple defective seal.
You can also go looking for traces of rust in certain corners of the car that are not usually exposed to water, because these can tell you that it has been submerged in water: for example, at the door hinges, the screws of the the passenger compartment, the trunk lock, or the metal areas under the seats (slides, springs, etc.).

Finally, carVertical also advises scrupulously checking the car’s history: to help you with this task, this specialized site now offers a “Natural Disasters” function in its history reports.