Signs a Car Has Flood Damage near Washington, DC

Here at Pohanka Hyundai of Capitol Heights, you will find nothing but top-notch, trustworthy vehicles within our vast new and used inventory. However, you may not be so lucky if you choose to take your business somewhere else. Even if you decide to do so, we still want you to be aware of the signs that a car has flood damage, so you can save yourself the money and hassle along the way.

There are many indicators that a car has experienced flood damage, one in which being how it smells. If you sit inside a car for the first time, and notice a damp or mildew-like scent, it should raise your eyebrows as to where the car has been. Some dealerships may try and get around this smell by rolling down its windows for an extended period of time. But, don’t be fooled. When you take it for a test drive, make sure to spend a few minutes with the windows rolled up, to see if the damp scent returns. On the other end, some dealers may try and cover up the smell with cleaning agents or car fresheners. So, make sure you keep that in mind, too.

Additionally, water damage can be visible. Make sure to inspect items like the rugs, upholstery, ceiling fabric, and seat belts for any potential watermarks. Another sign would be if some of the fabric throughout looks like it was updated. If you’re checking out an older model that just so happens to have a new rug or new seats, that could be an indicator of water damage. You should also be on the lookout for any mud or dirt that could be on the interior that was left over from a flood that could be under the rugs, seats, or spare tire in the trunk. You should also make it a point to inspect the headlights, since they can trap moisture, and any rust on the inside, like the door panels.

Another main indicator that a car has experienced water damage is that its electrical components aren’t in the best of conditions. This can be evident if the power-adjustable seats aren’t able to be moved, or if the windows have problems rolling up. You should also take the necessary steps to ensure the radio, air conditioning, and both blinkers are working properly.

It’s always a good idea to know the signs a car has flood damage near Washington, DC. While you’ll never find any of these vehicles within our inventory here at Pohanka Hyundai of Capitol Heights, we want all of our customers to be educated on what to look for.