How Many Years Can a Statically Flooded Car Still Be Driven?

[Elliot]

How many years a statically flooded car can be driven depends on the extent of water immersion. If the damage is not severe and proper maintenance is performed afterward, it can generally be driven for five to six years. Methods to identify a flooded car: 1. Smell: Check for a musty odor inside the car. Flooded cars often have a musty smell in hidden areas such as the floor mats, trunk mats, and under the seats, which are difficult to clean and usually leave evidence. 2. Look: Inspect screws in hidden areas for rust or signs of replacement. Pull back the seats to check for rust or sand in the tracks. Extend the seatbelt fully to see if there are water stains or dirt at the end. 3. Press: Test the function buttons inside the car. If multiple buttons feel sticky or have weak rebound, these components may have been submerged in water. 4. Check: Visit a 4S shop to review maintenance records and check for any engine repair history. If present, it usually indicates a major accident or flooding incident.