The Real Impact of Flood Damage on Vehicles
Hurricanes and torrential rains often lead to rivers overflowing. People suffer severe losses and damage to their properties. A common image you’re likely to see is cars nearly submerged in the resulting floods.
Are you concerned about the impact of flood damage to vehicles after recently experiencing car flooding? Are you worried about purchasing a vehicle that may have sustained flood damage? Flood water can cause significant damage to a car’s electrical, structural, and mechanical components.
Being able to identify the signs of flood damage and address it quickly can help save you from costly repairs and ensure your safety.
Spotting the Red Flags: How to Tell if a Car Has Flood Damage
These signs should tell you that a car has suffered flood damage:
- Water stains around the carpets and upholstery and the rest of the car’s floor space.
- Musty smell of mold growth or wet carpet.
- Electrical system problems such as malfunctioning lights, problems with the dashboard controls, etc.
- The pungent smell of cleaning solutions, which may indicate an attempt to hide the musty smell from mold growth or wet upholstery.
- Lines of water stains and other signs of discoloration around the car’s interior.
- Presence of sand and mud in corners like within the engine bay or underneath seats.
Flood damage to vehicles could leave you with a car that has severe corrosion and compromised safety systems over the long term.
How To Detect Flood Damage in Cars
Here are a few tips for inspecting a car for flood damage before you sign the dotted lines:
- Assess the exterior. Watch for flaking paint or signs of discoloration around the headlights and undercarriage.
- Check for interior damage. You should check for moisture in key areas like the seats and carpets or the dashboard. Unusual wear around the upholstery or patchy discoloration may also point to flood damage.
- Go for a test drive. Watch for odd noises, check for smoke, and test all electronic components to ensure they work well.
- Pull the vehicle history report. It will tell you if the vehicle has suffered flood damage.
If you’re still unsure, hire a mechanic for a detailed inspection and a professional opinion.
The Hidden Costs: Long-term Effects of Ignoring Flood Damage
The long-term impact of flood damage to vehicles is often hard to quantify. However, it always has far-reaching effects. Flood water can damage a vehicle’s hydraulic systems by contaminating lubricants that are crucial for braking efficiency, steering, and transmission.
The vehicle’s engine is not safe, either. Flood water intrusion can damage internal components, causing engine damage. This is one of the common problems with flood-damaged cars. It will get you from point A to B, but it’s only a matter of time before it grinds to a halt. Therefore, ignoring flood damage can have you footing costly repairs in the near future.
Additionally, driving a flood-damaged vehicle is a significant safety risk if the damage affected the safety systems.
Flood-Damaged Cars Are Often Total Losses
Most insurance companies consider cars that suffered extensive flood damage a total loss. This is because the cost of the repairs often exceeds the vehicle’s value. However, the designation will depend on the level of damage the vehicle has suffered.
If your vehicle has been affected by a flood, it’s best to contact your car insurance provider as soon as possible to navigate the insurance process. If the damage is fixable, the insurance provider can help cover the repair costs. If they deem the vehicle a total loss, you can begin the process of payout claims.
Remember, most insurance companies will only pay for flood damage if there’s enough proof that the damage was beyond your control.
Automotive Repair & Service in Ruidoso, NM | Sierra Blanca Motors
At Sierra Blanca Motors, we understand the impact of flood damage to vehicles inside and out. We offer detailed assessments and repairs to owners of flood-damaged vehicles in Ruidoso, NM. We have state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate your car and get it back to a safe and reliable condition.
We also offer ongoing support and maintenance service to ensure your vehicle remains in top shape long after suffering flood damage. Keeping up with regular maintenance prolongs your vehicle's lifespan and ensures its safety.
Call us today at (575) 257-4081 to book an inspection.
