How to recognize a drowned person: check the car before buying

Do you dream of buying a used car? Be careful! Some unscrupulous sellers try to sell cars that have been in a flood. Buying such a car threatens with serious problems and financial losses. But do not despair! There are ways to recognize a drowning person and avoid trouble. Also, your car can become more stylish and expressive if you use tuning accessories, a large assortment of which is available in our online store.

Signs that the car has been in water

Odor and traces of dampness:

• A musty, moldy smell in the cabin is a sure sign.
• Inspect the upholstery of the seats and the ceiling for cracks, rust spots and other suspicious phenomena.
• If possible, lift the floor covering, inspect the joints of interior parts.

Electrical problems:

• Check the functionality of electronics - windows, headlights, radio. Corrosion on the contacts can indicate problems with the wiring. Foggy headlights, incorrect operation of buttons - signs of a possible short circuit due to water.

Problems with the engine and gearbox:

• Difficult starting, jerks when shifting gears - these can be symptoms of water getting into the engine compartment or gearbox.
• Check the lubricant - the presence of water or emulsion indicates serious damage.
• Also, pay attention to traces of corrosion on metal elements, cloudy liquids (oil, antifreeze) and the presence of dirt or sand in hard-to-reach places.

Traces of plaque and dirt under the hood and in the trunk:

• Water leaves traces even in hidden places. Examine them carefully.

Documents and car history:

• Check the documents for the presence of notes about the insured event related to flooding.
• Use car history check services.

Do not buy a car if you find:

• A few signs from the list above.
• Lack of documents or their suspicious condition.
• The seller's reluctance to provide the car for diagnosis by an independent specialist.

Remember! Buying a submerged car is a serious risk. Such a machine can cause many problems, up to complete failure. Do not rush to buy the first-best option. A thorough inspection and check of the history of the car will save you from trouble.