If you're shopping for a used car in Charlotte, you know there are certain things you should look out for and avoid when signing the dotted line. However, have you ever considered whether or not flood damage is a dealbreaker for your new ride? Toyota of N Charlotte is here to discuss.
Why is flood damage such a bad thing on a car?
When a car has flood damage, it opens up a new box of possibilities when it comes to things that can go wrong. In our opinion, it's just not worth the trouble - the chance that you'll have issues with the car down the road is just too high. Why? Because flood damage extends far past what the eye can see. Sure, you can replace carpets and reupholster seats and clean out the engine bay... but what you don't see is the damage that water can do to the car's electric system and engine. The last thing you want is to buy a Charlotte used car only to have major mechanical or electrical issues down the road that you have to shell out big bucks to fix.
So, how can you spot flood damage on a used car? Here are some telltale signs to look out for.
Sign #1: Rust on unpainted metal. You'll be able to spot any rust on the exterior of the car almost immediately, but remember that it might be hiding in places not visible to the naked eye. You should check any unpainted places for rust, too, like under the car, inside the doorjambs, under the door handles, under the pedals, and under the hood. Any rust in these spots could indicate that the car has flood damage.
Sign #2: Mud or silt inside the engine or trunk. Pop the hood and the trunk and see if there's mud or silt inside. It can collect in these places if a car has been submerged and sometimes sellers forget to clean these areas out, making them a dead giveaway for flood damage.
Sign #3: New carpet or seats. If a car has new carpet or seats, be sure to ask why. If it was done for aesthetic reasons to update the car, then OK - but it's also a sign that the car was submerged in water and had mold or mildew inside. Also be wary of used cars that smell strongly of air freshener; sometimes sellers will turn up the fake scents to hide the smell of mildew or smoke.
Sign #4: Condensation inside the headlights or instrument panel. If you see condensation or fogginess inside the car's headlights, taillights, or instrument panel, it means it's been flooded and you should reconsider whether or not you want the headache.
Call Toyota of N Charlotte with questions about flood damage
Want to shop used cars in Charlotte or have a question about flood damage on a vehicle? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today. We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2040 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road.
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