Why Should You Avoid Flood-Damaged Cars?
2 Answers
Flood-damaged cars refer to vehicles where water has entered the passenger compartment, submerging the chassis and floor, and sometimes even the engine. The interior contains large amounts of sponge, fireproof cotton, insulation materials, and other fabric-based components. During repairs, these materials are often not replaced but merely dried. Sometimes, internal moisture cannot be completely removed, leading to a strong musty odor in the car during hot summer months, which can be harmful to health. Water can also penetrate wiring harnesses and the casings of onboard computers. After repairs, all functions may appear normal, but residual moisture in the circuits can accelerate the oxidation and damage of wires or circuit boards. Some metal components in the car are not treated with anti-corrosion coatings, and remaining moisture can speed up their corrosion and oxidation after the vehicle is repaired.
A water-damaged car is like having suffered a serious illness—it may appear repaired on the surface, but hidden dangers lurk beneath. I've handled many cases of refurbished flood-damaged cars, where the wiring and pipelines inside resemble soaked noodles, leading to poor contact, short circuits, and blown fuses within two years of use. The scariest part is that the airbag module may fail after being waterlogged, potentially not deploying in a critical moment. The seams of the chassis and frame are particularly prone to rusting through, with surface paint masking the fact that structural integrity has already been compromised. Refurbishers love to claim the water only reached the wheel hubs, but sewage has long seeped into the carpet layers, filling the cabin with a musty stench when the AC is turned on. Used car dealers buy flood-damaged vehicles at scrap metal prices, only to resell them at double the cost, with ordinary buyers unable to spot the tricks.
