Due to the flood wave in Germany and Benelux many flooded cars may end up in Poland. Find out how to avoid buying defective cars.
This year in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands there were many floods, which caused huge losses. The media circulated photos and videos showing flooded cities, houses and cars. Polish websites immediately started to joke that these flooded cars will soon come to our country. It turns out, however, that these do not have to be jokes, because the procedure of downloading flooded cars and selling them in theory at promotional prices is unfortunately much older, and on the tragedy of some people can get richer others.
Buying a car after a flood is not only unpleasant smells or rotten upholstery, but also a real threat that the car will not serve us for too long. That is why we should avoid vehicles that have been heavily flooded. Unfortunately, dealers often use various tricks to cover up possible shortcomings. How not to be fooled and not to get a car after flooding? Here are some simple tips how to avoid buying such a car.
Moisture and mud are red flags
Some flood marks can’t be 100 percent covered up. So it’s worth taking a closer look if anything raises your suspicions. This is because it is impossible to pass indifferently, if in the car we feel a characteristic, musty smell of dampness or see a large corrosion in places where in theory it should not be at all.
If we see that the upholstery has strong signs of flooding or we find any things that may indicate that the car may have been under water, for example, grass, silt or mud in strange places, we should abandon the purchase. However, these are not the only things by which we can recognize the “drowning man”.
A thorough check of the electrical system is essential.
In cars that have gone through flooding, sooner or later there will be electrical problems. For the buyer, of course, it would be better if they occur earlier, preferably already at the stage of considering the purchase. What can indicate to us the fact that the car was under water for a long time?
Certainly our concerns should arouse a possible “check engine”. If it is combined with moisture, fogged displays or corrosion, it is a very strong sign that something is not right here. In addition, any electrical or electronic malfunction, such as central locking, air conditioning or radio, should be a really big warning for us. If you give the car to a mechanic for inspection (which a dishonest dealer certainly would not want to allow), and he finds, for example, corroded cables, it is virtually certain that the car is post-flood.
Other features of a flooded car
There are also several smaller features that may indicate that we are dealing with a car after the flood. Our special attention should be paid to deposits on and under the seals, as well as possible corrosion, dirt and traces of flooding on the shock absorbers and trunks, among others. It is also worth checking the lampshades and the efficiency of the lamps, because it may be another clue to the fact that the dealer wants to us a flooded car.
Fot. Mick Haupt/unsplash.com
