How to Tell If Your Vehicle Has Flood Damage
With every hurricane season in Florida comes a bit of flooding. However, floods in Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach don’t just affect homes and properties. They can also damage cars in affected areas. How can you tell if your vehicle has flood damage?
To answer that, World Ford Pensacola is here with some of the biggest telltale signs your car has flood damage.
Exterior Signs of Flood Damage
If you think your car has experienced some flooding, you may be able to notice signs of it just from looking at your vehicle from the outside.
Rust can occur with any car over time, but it’s also usually associated with water damage. Typically, rust can appear on the door hinges and screws around the car. The inside of the hood can also become rusty after it’s been in a flood.
Additionally, you’ll want to take a peek at the exterior lights. If the headlights and taillights have been submerged in water, you may notice some fogging or moisture inside the housings.
Interior Signs of Flood Damage
Floods can also affect the interior of a vehicle. One of the most common interior indicators of flood damage is a musty or moldy odor. Get behind the wheel of your car and take a quick sniff of your surroundings. If you notice a bit of must or mold in the air, your vehicle may have been damaged from a flood. You should also take some time to smell the trunk since water damage can occur in the cargo area, as well.
When the hurricane passes and the water levels return to normal, you may notice some stains on the upholstery inside. These stains typically appear on the seats and dashboard and are often paired with residue from flood water.
Above all, keep an eye out for any dirt and debris inside the vehicle—specifically inside and around the glove box, as well as under the dashboard and spare tire in the trunk—to see if it’s been affected by a recent flood.
Performance After Flood Damage
A visual inspection of your car can give you a good idea of whether it’s been flooded. However, the best way to check for damage is to take it out for a quick spin. During your drive, pay attention to any issues you may experience with the electrical systems and features.
Did you hear any unusual sounds after turning on the car? Are the lights faulty? Are your stereo, speakers, and infotainment system not working as smoothly as they should be? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your car could be suffering from a bit of flood damage.
What to Do If Your Car Has Flood Damage
If your car has water damage after a hurricane, the best thing you can do is take it straight to a service center. Here, technicians can perform a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage and what types of repairs and replacements it may need. If the damage is minor, you and your car should be able to get back on the road safely in no time.
On the other hand, if the damage is a bit extensive, you could consider getting a brand-new car.
At World Ford Pensacola, we understand how important your car is to your life. So, if you have a vehicle that’s been affected by a recent storm or flood, head over to our dealership. Whether you’re from the Pensacola, Crestview, or Fort Walton Beach area, we’ll be here to provide the services and inventory you need to get back on the road once the storm clears.
Contact our service department today to learn more about flood damage.
