How to identify a car that has been flooded

Pay attention to the carpet, see if it is moldy or not

A car that has been flooded will always have water seeping into the car through the gaps and of course, the floor mats will be the place with the most water. Because when flooded, the water will soak into the car for quite a while, so drying will take a long time and cause mold.

Take some time to smell the car and look at the floor mats and upholstery and the areas around them. Lift up the mats to check for dirt or sand underneath. Look at any fabric surfaces (including interior door panels, upholstery and seat belts) and check for stains and suspicious prints.

Pay close attention to unusual odors.

Sometimes flooded cars can go undetected thanks to the seller’s deception that the car has never been towed. The car may look pristine and unsuspecting, but take a sniff of the interior and you’ll notice an unusual odor. It’s not necessarily overpowering, but it will be unnatural and a little foul.

The seller may also mask the smell with a strong perfume or deodorant, which is a sign that you should avoid the car immediately. Another tip: bring a friend or co-worker with you who has a good sense of smell.

Pay attention to electronic devices that are behaving abnormally.

Although it can take a long time for water to damage the wiring and circuits in your car, there are some signs to look for when your car's electrical components start to malfunction.

Check all electrical functions and look out for controls that do not work when selected. Take the car to a garage to have a mechanic check for possible faulty electronic components as this could be a sign of a flooded car.

Pay attention to water left around the car.

Headlights, taillights, and fog lights can be a clue to whether your car has been flooded, especially if the light covers are not cracked or loose.

Spotting flooded cars can be tricky, but enlist the help of friends or auto mechanics with a good sense of smell, and check the car’s history if possible. If you’re buying near a previous flood, be careful when looking for a used car.