A flood disaster that occurs as a result of the monsoon season or continuous heavy rain will certainly make many vehicle owners worry and panic.
Recalling the phenomenon of major floods involving several states in Malaysia in 2021, hundreds of thousands of vehicles were damaged and left behind causing the average vehicle owner to lose, not to mention after claims cannot be made because they do not have special peril coverage (natural disasters) in the vehicle insurance plan .
Some vehicle owners whose cars were affected by flooding will start selling their vehicles. It is not a strange thing to do, it is even often done in any foreign country.
Therefore in the sharing from the blog Smart will give you some tips to identify a car that has been submerged in a flood to be used as a guide and reference.
Therefore, here are some tips to identify if a car has sunk due to flooding:
• Check the body of the vehicle to see traces or water marks.
• Check or notice if there is any strange smell on the vehicle.
• Check the engine compartment and also under the vehicle to see if there are any traces of pre-rust.
• Carefully inspect the seats, car carpets and other interior items and accessories of the car including the rear boot to check if there is any dirt or damage.
• Check under carpets and inside door panels for mud residue or other signs of damage.
• Test all electrical equipment and buttons in the car cabin to make sure everything is working properly.
• Most importantly, check or check with the relevant parties about the history of the vehicle. Also know if it has ever had an insurance claim, especially related to flooding.
THE RISK OF BUYING A CAR EVER DROWNED IN A FLOOD
Can cause health problems
If a flooded car is not cleaned properly, it can lead to dangerous health problems.
This is because flood water is usually filled with germs and dirt that cannot be seen with the naked eye. If not cleaned perfectly by the previous owner, it can result in harmful bacteria and also unpleasant odors lingering in the car compartment.
The damp condition of the car can also cause the existence of fungus which in turn may cause breathing problems to other users.
Warranty void
Usually, the warranty from the car manufacturer will offer coverage for certain problems such as mechanical and electronic damage only and will not cover damage caused by natural disasters such as floods.
If the car has been flooded, the warranty will automatically be voided. Without a warranty, you as the new owner may have to spend a large budget to repair the damage to the car.
Engine problem
When the flood water has entered the inside of the engine, it will mix with the oil in the engine and further cause damage to the internal components of the engine.
When there is damage to the internal components of the engine, it risks causing an accident in the future.