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With the recent spate of flooding in the US – including the Milwaukee area this past weekend – the risk of running into a flood-damaged vehicle for sale is increasing. The Triple-A is advising the public to be wary of buying a used vehicle for an attractive price that hides some very unattractive flood damage.
Triple-A says that once floodwaters rise above the vehicle door openings, extensive disassembly might be needed for cleaning. Also, flooding of mechanical components, computer systems, engine, transmission, axles, brake and fuel systems can render the vehicle unfit to drive. Given a modern car’s complex electronics and the wiring that connects them together, it may seem OK at first only to fail shortly afterwards. And unless every part is thoroughly cleaned and dried, inside and out, problems caused by corrosion can crop up weeks or even months after flooding.
The Triple-A says buyers should be wary of a vehicle that seems musty or dirty, especially under the dash, in body cavities or the engine compartment. The company has a list of approved repair shops that can do a proper inspection and any repairs that may be needed. You can access that page here.
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