6 signs of a flood-damaged car

Why it matters

Flood water damages wiring, sensors and hybrid parts. The problems often start months later and are expensive to fix.

What to check

• A damp or musty smell, or a strong air freshener hiding it
• Rust on seat rails, seat bolts and pedal brackets
• Mud, sand or a water line under the carpets and in the spare wheel area
• Fog or water drops inside headlights and tail lights
• New carpets or seat covers in an otherwise old car
• Warning lights, or windows, locks and the radio not working properly

If you’re not sure

Ask a trusted mechanic to check the hidden places for flood signs before you pay.