Why Should a Flood-Damaged Car Not Be Restarted?

[McDelilah]

Because starting the engine can cause the piston connecting rod to bend, and in severe cases, damage the cylinder block, resulting in irreparable harm. Smell the interior: Check for a musty odor inside the car. Flood-damaged vehicles often have a musty smell in hidden areas such as the floor mats, trunk mats, and under the seats, which is difficult to eliminate and usually leaves evidence. If you detect a musty smell, be cautious. If the interior smells unusually fragrant, that should also raise suspicion, as it may be an attempt to mask the musty odor. Inspect hidden parts of the vehicle: Look for rust or signs of screw removal and replacement in hidden areas of the vehicle. 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.