• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Expert Mechanics
      • Expert Honda Mechanics
      • Expert Toyota Mechanics
      • Expert Subaru Mechanics
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutch Repair
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

How to Avoid Flood-damaged Cars

September 27, 2013 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

How To Avoid Flood-damaged CarsWeather has been changing all over our nation and unfortunately Colorado residents got a bitter reminder of that with the recent floods.  High water from overflowing rivers and streams ruined homes and businesses.  Sadly, pictures like these are all too common right now.  Cars that are buried in mud and water.  When exposed to deep flood levels, soaked cars are often classified as totaled and then demolished.  It is too bad that sometimes unethical and dishonest people take advantage of the situation and flood-damaged cars end up on used car lots.  Here are some steps you can take to avoid buying  flood-damaged cars.

  1. Be a smart shopper.  Always shop at a reputable dealership.  Dealerships with good reputations won’t risk losing them by cheating their customers.  Always ask if the car you’re interested in has been damaged by floods, and get the answer in writing.  If there is any hesitation, you should be concerned.  Also ask to see the title, some states are required by law to  stamp the title of a damaged car that reads “Flood” or “Salvage” .
  2. The Sniff Test.  The quickest way to tell if a car has had flood-damage is to smell it.  If the car smells musty or moldy, it probably has had some type of water damage.  It is very difficult to get rid of a moldy aroma and if there is any mildew formation, you should walk away.
  3. Corrosion Clues.  Corrosion is common in flood-damaged cars and continues to eat away at materials long after the car is dry.  Look for signs of corrosion on metals both inside and out.  Concentrating on door hinges, trunk latches, and hood springs.
  4. Take a test drive.  A compromised electrical system is a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard that is natural in cars exposed to high waters for extended periods of time.  You want to make sure all the electrical components are operational.  Take the car on a test drive and try out all the electronics, dashboard lights, headlights, turn signals, emergency blinkers, air conditioning, heater, wipers, cigarette lighter, and radio.
  5. Check the oil.  Oil in a flood-damaged car will have changes in the color and thickness.  The oil may be pale when it should be dark or runny when it should be thick.  Also take a look at the air filter and check for water stains, that’s another sign that water might have been where it shouldn’t be.

Even if you have completed each of these steps and feel good about the car, you should still take it to a good mechanic so he can fully inspect the parts of the car that aren’t clearly visible, like the brakes and wheel components, wiring mechanisms and the alternator.  All these steps can help you avoid flood-damaged cars.

 

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: How to Avoid Flood-damaged Cars

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

The Role of the Alternator in Your Car's Electrical System

The Role of the Alternator in Your Car’s Electrical System

If you own a car, you already know that your car's electrical system plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle functional. At the core of the electrical system is the alternator, one of the most … [Read More...]

  • What is a Valvetrain and How Does it Work?
  • Maintaining Your Car’s Refrigerant System For Optimal Performance
  • How to Diagnose Check Engine Light Codes on Your Own
  • Tips For Checking a Car Battery’s Health At Home
  • 5 Common Signs Your Car Clutch Needs Repair

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

How to Improve Stopping Power and Safety with Brake Maintenance

The Role of Sensors in Your Car’s Anti-Lock Brake System: Understanding How They Work

The Importance of Regular Anti-Lock Brake System Maintenance

Oil Change

What an Oil Change and Oil Filter Replacement Do To Your Car

Does Your Hybrid Vehicle Need an Oil Change?

Regular vs Synthetic Motor Oil – What You Should Know

Suspension

This Is How You Know If You Have Suspension Problems

How Worn Out Shocks and Struts Can Cause An Accident

CV Joint and CV Boot Repair – What You Need To Know

Transmision Service

5 Common Signs Your Car Clutch Needs Repair

How to Improve Shifting and Power Transfer With Your Automatic Transmission

How to Choose the Right Mechanic for Your Car Clutch Repair

Engine Service

What is a Valvetrain and How Does it Work?

Maintaining Your Car’s Refrigerant System For Optimal Performance

All About Timing Belts: What They Do and When to Replace Them

Auto Tips & Tricks

Tips For Checking a Car Battery’s Health At Home

5 Common Signs Your Car Clutch Needs Repair

How to Improve Shifting and Power Transfer With Your Automatic Transmission

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2023 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760