Is a Rusty Steering Column a Sign of a Flood-Damaged Car?

[Kennedy]

A rusty steering column does not necessarily indicate a flood-damaged car. It could also be due to the material itself, lack of rust-proof treatment, or absence of heat treatment. With frequent movement of the steering column, friction is inevitable, and once the protective layer on the surface is damaged, rust can easily form. Here are some methods to identify a flood-damaged car: 1. Electrical issues: Damaged wiring, often visible inside the dashboard, with residual mud or sand in the wiring connectors. 2. Interior problems: Rust on the seat mounting brackets, mold at the base of seat belts, rusted mechanisms, or difficulty in pulling seat belts. The soundproofing material under the carpet may contain a lot of mud or sand, and flood-damaged soundproofing material tends to become loose and frayed. Check the cigarette lighter for mud or rust. 3. Exterior problems: Examine the extent of corrosion on the chassis; flood-damaged cars corrode faster than normal vehicles. Also, check for moisture inside the headlights.