As flood-damaged vehicles from Hurricane Helene begin to enter the Washington, D.C. market, with those from Milton soon to follow, area car dealers are urged to exercise caution and implement best practices to avoid acquiring these compromised vehicles. Thousands of cars were submerged in these two devastating hurricanes, making them prone to long-term mechanical and electrical issues, even if they appear undamaged on the surface.
Flood-damaged vehicles often find their way into used car markets through unscrupulous sellers who clean and repair them just enough to hide the damage. While these cars may look fine initially, they can present significant safety risks, such as malfunctioning electrical systems, brake failures, and airbag deployment issues.
Dealers should ensure their staff are well-equipped to identify signs of flood damage. Common red flags include water stains or musty odors in the interior, moisture trapped in the headlights or taillights, rusty bolts, and unusual corrosion around metal parts. A thorough inspection of the vehicle’s electrical system and undercarriage is essential. Staff should also run a vehicle history report through services like Carfax or AutoCheck to verify whether the car was previously declared as flood-damaged or salvaged.
Dealers are advised to remind their teams to check for inconsistencies in the title and registration documents, as flood-damaged vehicles are often re-titled in different states to conceal their history. By implementing these best practices, local dealers can protect their businesses and customers from the hidden dangers of flood-damaged vehicles.
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