What problems may occur with flood-damaged cars in the later stage?

[HarleyLee]

Common issues with flood-damaged cars in the later stage include electrical circuit and electronic system failures. Overview of flood-damaged cars: Flood-damaged cars refer to vehicles that have been submerged in water, typically involving the engine and transmission being soaked, with water immersion depth exceeding the wheels and seats, and prolonged contact between the vehicle's underbody components and water. These vehicles pose significant risks, as the electrical circuits are prone to short circuits and may cause incidents such as fires. Repair of flood-damaged cars: "Flood-damaged cars" can be repaired to some extent, but even after repair, there are serious hidden dangers. The longer the immersion time, the higher the probability of malfunctions, and they cannot be completely repaired. Caution should be exercised when dealing with such vehicles.

[DiBella]

I've been repairing cars for many years and have seen plenty of issues with flood-damaged vehicles later on, which can be a real headache. First, the electronic systems are the most vulnerable. After being submerged, those sensors and wiring slowly corrode and rust, leading to headlight failures, erratic dashboard displays, and even sudden engine shutdowns due to short circuits in the ECU. Secondly, when water gets into the engine and transmission, the fluids emulsify, accelerating wear and tear. After just 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, they start rattling like a broken gong. The interior is even worse—carpets mold and emit a musty stench, while dirty, clogged AC filters breed bacteria, causing allergies and coughing over time. The chassis and suspension rust and deform, making the car shake and wobble at high speeds. I remember working on a used flood-damaged car a couple of years ago; the owner bought it cheap but ended up spending over 10,000 on five repairs in six months. If you ever buy a flood-damaged car, make sure to get the electrical system and chassis thoroughly inspected early on to avoid breaking down on the road.

[MacMason]

Driving a flood-damaged car was such a headache, with endless troubles down the road. It worked barely fine at first, but after six months, various malfunctions emerged—like window buttons suddenly failing, the radio producing static noise, and door locks jamming shut, all caused by water corrosion in the wiring. Even worse, the engine idled unevenly and struggled to accelerate, which the mechanic said was due to water entering the cylinders causing piston rust. The car always had a musty smell, especially worse on hot days. I cleaned it daily, but the source was in the seat foam, impossible to remove, and my family complained every time they rode in it. There was also a safety hazard: the braking system's sensitivity dropped, making it hard to stop in the rain—almost causing an accident. My advice to friends buying used cars: never touch a flood-damaged car. Even if it's cheap, the repair costs later are sky-high and not worth it.

[Isabela]

Flood-damaged vehicles often develop electrical system issues later on. Based on numerous cases I've inspected, corroded electrical components pose the highest risks. Oxidized wiring harness connectors can cause headlights to flicker, while failed controllers may lead to key fob malfunctions and starting failures. Water-shorted ECU triggers constant engine warning lights, causing unstable power output and increased fuel consumption. More critically, degraded safety systems with malfunctioning ABS/ESP sensors extend braking distances, increasing skid risks during rain or turns. Rusted chassis frames compromise structural integrity, becoming more dangerous in collisions. Musty odors from mold growth in AC ducts may affect respiratory health. For long-term use, professional electrical and undercarriage inspections every six months are essential.