How to Spot a Secondhand Car if Flooded?

Here’s how to spot a secondhand car if it’s flooded? If there’s one thing we’re all too familiar with in the Philippines? It’s the chance of flash floods with all the super typhoons coming our way. But along with flash floods, vehicle thefts have been reported by  opportunistic scavengers looking to turn these vehicles into scrap or to be sold for a quick buck. Such a case is not new so how do you spot a secondhand car and check if its flooded when offered by a dealer or a seller before it’s too late?

1. First Impressions, Surface level

Check the Inner Trimmings of the Vehicle’s Seat Belt

No matter how well-done a shoddy refurbishment for a flooded car is, there are still some intricacies that tend to be overlooked. If you are suspicious that you’re viewing a flooded car, give the seatbelt a yank till it cannot be pulled any further. If this is a flooded car, the inner trimmings of the seatbelt tend to be damp and sometimes caked in dirt and mud.

2. Sniff and look around for a damp or mildew smell. 

Flood water usually contains all sorts of nasty stuff that it can pull up from anywhere. Once the water subsides, flood-affected areas seen in pictures are commonly caked in mud and dirt. If you have never been to a flood site, picture the smell being just like damp soil that occurs after heavy rain. This odor is known as a mildew smell. Pull up all the floor carpets to check for wet and dampness around the car. Also, do take note if the cabin of the vehicle is bombarded with plenty of air fresheners.

3. Start the Car. It’s That Simple.

A foolproof way to test the vehicle on the spot is as simple as starting the engine. If you hear clicking noises from the car, it’s a sign that the starter relay is either faulty or water damaged.  

4. Devil’s in the Details. Here’s What to Spot.

Moisture Seeping Into the Engine

Water droplets on your dipstick is a small indicator that this is a flooded car being sold to you. (Source: Scotty Kilmer)

Assuming the dealer did not change the engine oil, take out the dipstick and observe it. A flooded car will either have a milky or damp dipstick. This is a sign that water has successfully seeped into the combustion chamber.

Check the Color of the Engine Oil

Source: qmotor
Proper running engine oil will always be brown or black like your ex’s heart. If water has seeped into the engine, the engine oil will look brownish, chocolate milk in color since oil and water do not mix well. We apologize if we may have ruined your favorite beverage with this image. 

Rusty or Brand New Screws and Springs

Check underneath the metal hinges and screws under the car seats. Flooded cars tend to have plenty of rust or mud residues hidden in the intricacies of the vehicle. On some occasions, a hardworking shoddy dealer will attempt to replace any rusty bolts and screws with brand new ones. Always ask the dealer what happened to the old parts and why they need to be replaced to get a better picture of the vehicle’s background.

Damp or Brand New Air Filters

Look out for the yellowish line on the filter. (Source: Boost Brothers)

Just like metal parts, keep an eye out for still-damp or brand-new air filters located inside the air filter box. Soaked air filters have a visible water line to indicate how badly the water level affected this vehicle. Additionally, check the insides of the air filter box for smidgens of brown mud in it.

#JustDryve for your peace of mind! You don’t have to worry about having to purchase a secondhand car that is flooded because with Dryve it has to pass inspection to ensure they are free from any major accidents and flood damage.