Warning! Flooded Vehicle's flogged into the used car market for cheap
Flooded vehicles enter the used car market
Are you thinking about buying a used vehicle? Make sure that it isn't a victim of flood damage.
Floods have drenched the country many times before resulting in ruined homes and businesses, this is nothing new to the Irish eye. However, a less-publicized casualty of these storms is the number of flood-damaged cars left behind.
Our customisation to wet and dreary Ireland has left us with the impression that our cars are accustomed to the weather too. Sadly this is not the case. We are not driving ducks people! Many drivers will plough through floods as if their cars can swim. Little do these people know the damage they are causing to their vehicle.
Continuously forcing your vehicle through water drenched roads will cause rusting and corrosion. If corrosion reaches critical components it can not only lead to costly repairs but it can also make a vehicle extremely dangerous to drive.
Unfortunately spotting a previously flooded vehicle can be difficult to spot and opportunists care very little about the danger they are causing others by selling these vehicles. 
Here are 5 ways to determine if a used car is a clean machine or a juicy lemon.
1) Call on an expert: Avail of a MyVehicle.ie on-site inspection. Get a qualified IAEA engineer to call out to your chosen location to help you review a vehicle.
2) Dirty Details: If a vehicle has been previously flooded, much of the debris and dirt carried by the water will remain in the car. i.e wheel wells, engine crevices, under the dashboard, around wiring. 
3) Use your Sense's: Simply sniff the car. It is extremely difficult to rid a car of a damp and moldy aroma after it has been flooded. You can also feel your way around the car for any moisture or damp spots. If possible peel back the carpet and look for rust.
4) Corrosion Clues: Search the interior and exterior for clues. If you find rust on screw, door hinges, hood springs, trunk latches or brackets under the dashboard you know the vehicle has significant contact with water.
5) Take it for a spin: Test the car extensively to ensure that the electrical components have not been compromised due to water exposure.
Author
Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader
in automotive intelligence and vehicle
data supply to the entire motor industry.
He has almost 20 years experience in
building systems from the ground up.
As the Managing Director of Vehicle
Management System, he understands the
need and importance of trustworthy and
reliable vehicle history and advice to
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