Tips to identify cars with a history of flooding
According to auto engineers, to identify a car with a history of flooding, observe all the screws, bolts, exhaust pipes, interior of the car and seat belts.
However, this common test method is also mainly based on each person's experience, so it is difficult to conclude with certainty that the car has been flooded. Used car buyers should therefore carefully research the origin of the car instead of buying based on emotions.
Below are some suggested items to check to determine if your car has been flooded.
Check headlights
First of all, when inspecting a car with the naked eye, the buyer should observe the headlight area of the car. If the car has been flooded, the headlight housing often has yellow stains, blur, water marks or scratches due to being removed for cleaning.
Check all bolts and screws on the vehicle
In addition to looking at the headlights, car buyers should also check the bolts and screws. If there are signs of rust, scratches, clamp marks, unscrewing, or even a shiny screw, it is possible that the car has been repaired and replaced.
In addition, car buyers must also pay attention to all screws on the engine, fuel lines, coolant lines or electrical wires... to see if there are any traces of grease on them, because this can be seen as a sign that they have been disassembled.
Check cylinder head gasket and cylinder head cover
In this detail, if you see the cylinder head gasket and the cylinder head cover are brand new or the silicon is spilled out, it means that the engine has been interfered with from the outside. Normally, for a car that is still "original" and has never been opened, this gasket will be tight and the silicon line will be very straight.
Check the interior of the car
If a car has been flooded, when you step inside the car, you will feel a distinct musty smell. The previous owner or the dealer will be able to use many types of perfumes and deodorizers to cover up the musty smell in the car.
Therefore, to verify this, used car buyers should get into the car, close all the doors and turn off the air conditioning system. If the smell of perfume or deodorant is too strong or the smell of mold is obvious, car buyers should avoid choosing such cars.
In addition, buyers should flip the floor mats and check for mud or dirt in the area under the floor or in the corners of the car. If the area under the brake pedal, gas pedal, bolts under the seat... show any unusual signs, buyers should avoid buying.
Check the undercarriage and exhaust system
The area under the car is where many metal parts are gathered, and this is also the first and most exposed area to water. Therefore, when buying a car, the buyer should check the undercarriage to detect rusty, yellowed parts, or signs of having been disassembled.
Test drive
In addition to visual inspection, the buyer must check the final step by driving to feel the vehicle's performance.
First, the buyer needs to start the engine to listen to the sound from the exhaust pipe and see if there is any smoke. Then, accelerate from slow to fast to feel the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, steering system, and the stability of the car body when cornering at high speed.
After running for about 10 minutes, open the hood to check the engine temperature. If it is warm and can still be touched, you can rest assured about this car. If it has been repaired, the engine will be very hot and may not be able to be touched.