A recent Carfax report estimates that Houston is home to the most flooded cars being driven on American roads.
Houston ranks top of the list with an estimated 127,605 flooded vehicles being driven on roadways. New York comes in second with only 17,110 vehicles followed by Miami Ft Lauderdale with 15,607 vehicles.
Carfax lists the following as telltale signs of flooding:
A musty odor in the interior, which can sometimes be covered with a strong air-freshener
Upholstery or carpeting which is loose, new, stained or doesn’t match
Damp carpets
Rust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals or inside the hood and trunk latches
Mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seats
Brittle wires under the dashboard
Fog or moisture beads in the interior lights, exterior lights or instrument panel
In addition, here is a flood damage checklist:
Turn on the ignition and check all instrument panel lights illuminate
Test the interior and exterior lights, air conditioning, windshield wipers, radio, turn signals and heater repeatedly
View the full CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check for reported flood damage or signs of salvage title fraud
Get the car checked thoroughly by a trusted mechanic