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Stormy Weather: Hurricane Helene Causes Damage to an Estimated 138,000 Vehicles - Be Aware of Corrosion

Hurricane Helene caused flood damage to an estimated 138,000 vehicles, as reported by CARFAX, as it ravaged at least six states. Communities in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee experienced floodwaters. This destruction comes on top of the estimated 89,000...

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Havoc Wrought by Hurricane Helene: Up to 138,000 Vehicles Sustained Damage - Be Mindful of...
Havoc Wrought by Hurricane Helene: Up to 138,000 Vehicles Sustained Damage - Be Mindful of Corrosion

Stormy Weather: Hurricane Helene Causes Damage to an Estimated 138,000 Vehicles - Be Aware of Corrosion

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands of flood-damaged vehicles are set to flood the used car market in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. With approximately 138,000 vehicles affected across these states, it's crucial for consumers to exercise caution when purchasing a used car, especially those from the affected regions.

To help avoid costly flood-damaged cars, here are some steps consumers can take:

  1. Check the vehicle's history report by VIN. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck can provide a report indicating if the car was ever marked as flood-damaged or totaled due to water-related damage.
  2. Inspect for physical signs of flood damage. Look for musty or moldy odors inside the car, mismatched or stained interior materials, moisture or fog inside headlights, rust or corrosion in hidden areas, debris like leaves, silt, or sand, and paint bubbling or rust under paint.
  3. Test for electrical system issues. Flooded cars often develop glitches or failures in electrical components, so it's essential to test these thoroughly.
  4. Look for signs of hidden water damage. Check for moisture signs by closing all doors/windows, letting the car sit for a few minutes, then opening a door to see if a musty odor or moisture is noticeable.
  5. If unsure, have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. A professional can examine structural, electrical, and mechanical components for flood-related problems.
  6. Use the free CARFAX Flood Check® tool. Consumers can use this tool available at carfax.com/flood to check the flood history of a vehicle.

It's important to note that floodwater poses risks to health and safety, and flood-damaged cars may appear showroom fresh but have hidden mechanical and electrical issues. Scammers may clean up and move these cars across the country to sell them, so it's essential to be vigilant.

Before Hurricane Helene, up to 89,000 vehicles were already estimated to have water damage this year. With thousands of flood-damaged cars from these states set to be up for sale within weeks, it's crucial for consumers to be aware and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

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