Second Hand Problems

Owning a car may just well be everyone's dream regardless if it's a brand new car or a second hand. Dangers lurk especially if what you are buying is a second-hand car.

Vehicles, just like homes, are especially prone to flood damage brought about by storms, swelling rivers and hurricanes. Statistics show that about 75,000 vehicles have been damaged by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, while Hurricane Ivan left more than 100,000 vehicles unusable. Hurricane Katrina had brought flood damage to about 200,000 cars in 2005. These, however, are just part of the bigger problem.

Cars that have experience flood damage are usually repaired to appear usable to the untrained eye and moved to nearby states where they are sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Flood can damage a vehicle's electrical systems and can cause malfunction in the anti-lock braking system as well as the airbag systems.

Here are some tips on how to avoid cars that have suffered flood damage:

'    Check the interior of the car for any sign of flood damage. Some of these signs could include silt, gravel, mud and rust. Look under the trunk, in the glove compartment and around the dashboard. Feel the carpet for any sign of dampness. A damp carpet may mean that the wirings underneath it have also been exposed to flood waters.

'    Check whether upholstery and carpeting fit snugly. If appears to be somewhat loose, it may have already been replaced. Any discoloration, stain or fading could also mean flood damage.

'    Check if accessories, warning lights and gauges are working properly. Airbag and ABS lights should come on.

'    Try to bend the wires beneath the dashboard. If there are cracks, there is a great probability of flood damage.

'    Nobody needs to tell you that mold means flood damage. If you see one inside the vehicle, do not proceed in buying the vehicle.

'    Know you car's vehicle history. You can ask this from the dealer of you can check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and have it checked through carfax.com or through AutoCheck.

'    Do not forget to take the car out for a spin. This would ensure that there are no knocking sounds and that everything works fine.

'    Have a trusted automotive mechanic from any automotive repair Atlanta Georgia has go through the vehicle first before letting go of your hard-earned money.

'    Make it a habit to buy from reputable Atlanta automotive dealers only.

If you are into rebuilding and repairing damaged vehicles, flood-damaged cars might mean headache rather than fun. It would help, however, to have it checked also with any professional automotive repair Atlanta center.