How to Identify Flood-Damaged and Accident-Damaged Vehicles?

[DiAnnie]

Here are the steps to check for accident-damaged and flood-damaged vehicles: 1. Open the hood and check whether the radiator, air conditioning condenser, and front radiator panel (viewed from below) have any residual mud. 2. Inspect small components near the engine, the alternator, starter motor, wiring sockets, and the seams around the wheel wells for mud. 3. Flip over the front and rear seats to check the springs and inner fabric linings for residual mud and musty odors. 4. Examine the hidden seams around the rear wheel wells in the trunk (spare tire compartment) for trapped mud. 5. Check the internal structure of the dashboard, wiring, and socket connectors for residual mud. 6. Look for a distinct mud line in the middle pillar between the front and rear doors (covered by plastic trim), indicating the flood water level (due to numerous hard-to-clean seams inside the pillar). 7. Pry open the rubber seals around the front and rear windshields (from inside the car) with a screwdriver. If mud is present inside, it indicates a fully submerged vehicle. If the water level exceeded the hood, it is considered a total loss (fully submerged).