What problems can occur with flood-damaged cars?
2 Answers
Flood-damaged cars may experience the following issues: 1. Mold and rust can develop in the inner door panels, air conditioning ducts, crankcase, and vent holes of the differential; 2. The car's seats and headliner fabric may retain stubborn stains that are difficult to clean and may also develop mold; 3. The lubricating grease in the four-wheel bearings and half-shafts may deteriorate after being soaked. Methods to identify flood-damaged cars include: 1. Open the hood to check for mud residue on the radiator, air conditioning condenser, and front radiator panel; 2. Inspect small components near the engine, such as the alternator, starter motor, wiring sockets, and the seams around the wheel wells for mud; 3. Check the springs under the front and rear seats and the inner burlap lining for residual mud and a musty smell; 4. Examine the hidden seams around the rear wheel wells in the trunk for any remaining mud.
I still feel scared when recalling how my previous car got flooded in a heavy rainstorm. The starting system malfunctioned frequently and couldn't ignite the engine. After taking it to the repair shop, they found the circuit board was short-circuited and burnt out - it took tremendous effort to fix it. The soaked interior grew mold everywhere, emitting a pungent odor that made my wife sneeze constantly during rides. Safety was even worse - the brakes felt spongy with insufficient stopping power, nearly causing a rear-end collision on the highway, while the airbag warning light kept flashing erratically. Repairs cost over 20,000 yuan with unreliable results, forcing me to sell it at a rock-bottom price eventually. Flood-damaged cars require extreme caution - they affect daily commuting severely. Never go for cheap deals you'll regret later.
