How to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle, following heavy rains in NJ
The floodwaters may have receded, but they left another challenge for future car-buyers: how to avoid buying a compromised vehicle.
'Vehicles damaged by floods have often ended up in the marketplace being sold to unsuspecting consumers,' warns a tip sheet on spotting flood-damaged cars from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
It's important that consumers know if a car they are buying has water damage because these can have major electrical problems, which can be costly to repair, adds AAA.
Tips for spotting a flood-damaged car
If you are looking to purchase a car, here are some signs of water damage you can spot before you buy, courtesy of the DCA:
Smell for any musty or moldy smells.
Test all the electronic components of the car.
Look for watermarks as well as dirt and sand throughout the car's interior. Check under seats and the dashboard as well as in the engine bay and trunk.
See if there's condensation in the vehicle's taillights and headlights.
Search for rusting screws and springs as well as for rust around the rim of the spare tire.
Consumers can also look up the vehicle's VIN number to check its condition and history through an approved National Motor Vehicle Title Information Systems Data provider. Getting a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchasing isn't a bad idea either.
"The vehicle history report may disclose that the vehicle's title has received a 'flood' brand (as well as reveal any prior accidents or odometer discrepancies)," the Division said.
Watch out for 'title washing'
Still, important information like flood damage can be removed from a car's record through a process called title washing, which can happen if the vehicle is moved from one state to another, according to automotive website Kelley Blue Book.
"The best defense is a good offense," Kelley Blue Book advised. "It also pays to complement a vehicle history check with a thorough inspection by a trusted and certified mechanic."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to tell if a car has been damaged in a flood, NJ drivers
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North America's strong manufacturing base of EVs in the U.S and Canada plays a pivotal role in the growth of the market in the Developments in Electric Vehicle E-Axle Market In June 2025, American Axle & Manufacturing received a supply order for Scout Motors' front electric drive units (EDUs) and rear e-Beam axles. The company revealed the information in its statement. In November 2024, Renesas Electronics Corp., in collaboration with Nidec Corp., launched the world's first '8-in-1' proof of concept (PoC) for E-Axle systems for electric vehicles (EVs). The system can control 8 functions with a single microcontroller. Top Companies of Electric Vehicle E-Axle Market Dana Limited (U.S.) Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany) GKN Automotive Limited (U.K.) Nidec Corporation (Japan) ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany) Vitesco Technologies Group AG (Germany) Schaeffler AG (Germany) Linamar Corporation (Canada) Magna International Inc. (Canada) Suzhou Inovance Automotive Co., Ltd. (China) Segments Covered in the Report By Vehicle Type Passenger Car Commercial Vehicle By Drive Type All-Wheel Drive Front-Wheel Drive Rear-Wheel Drive By Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa Invest in Premium Global Insights @ You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ About Us Towards Automotive is a premier research firm specializing in the automotive industry. Our experienced team provides comprehensive reports on market trends, technology, and consumer behaviour. We offer tailored research services for global corporations and start-ups, helping them navigate the complex automotive landscape. With a focus on accuracy and integrity, we empower clients with data-driven insights to make informed decisions and stay competitive. Join us on this revolutionary journey as we work together as a strategic partner to reinvent your success in this ever-changing automotive world. 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