Most people know next to nothing about the causes of water damage in cars. Knowing the most common causes can help you avoid this type of damage to your vehicle. Being familiar with the signs of water damage, meanwhile, can help you identify when a used car has more problems than meets the eye.

Causes of Water Damage in Cars

There are several potential causes of water damage in cars. The most well-known cause is flooding that happens as a result of storms. Insurance companies and car buying guides often point this one out, especially after a certain section of the country has been hit with considerable flooding, because damaged vehicles could surge into the used vehicle market.

Another source of water damage is cars comes from leaving a convertible top down or a sunroof/windows open during significant amounts of rain. Most people don’t really think about how much such a mistake can damage a car, which is why you should always leave everything closed up if there’s any risk of precipitation. If you’re driving and a surprise shower hits, it’s important to pull over and put the top up so that you can avoid long-term damage.

A car might be damaged by water because someone accidentally or intentionally drove it into a body of water. The extent of the damage depends on how deep into the water the vehicle went, how long it was in the water, and the type of body of water. Salt water from the ocean is far more damaging to a car than fresh water. The cleaner the water the better the car will fare in the long run, too. Also, the warmer the conditions, the faster your vehicle will start to corrode from exposure.

Warning Signs of Auto Water Damage

The signs of water damage might be subtle. If you know what to look for, you can usually spot them pretty quickly. Always be wary of any car you think has been damaged by water, because it could come with unusual problems that might cost a considerable amount to fix.

These helpful tips can help you identify signs of water damage in cars:

• Check the interior and trunk for any signs of mud, rust, or other unusual debris. This can be hiding in the glove box, at the edge of carpeting, under the seats, under the dashboard, etc. Some stains on the seats can be from spilled drinks, but extensive staining possibly indicates the car has been damaged by water. If the carpeting looks newer than the rest of the car, or it fits loosely, that’s a sign it was replaced recently, possibly to cover up the water damage.
• Water damaged cars often smell musty, moldy or just plain off. Sit in the car with the doors closed and just sniff the air for a minute. Also, beware strong air fresheners, because they could be used to cover this up.
• Inspect all the electrical connections, particularly under the hood, for corrosion. This can show up as green, white, or blue fuzz. If the vehicle is newer, you should see little to no corrosion. Pull the paper air filter and look for water stains while you’re at it.
• Anywhere in the car, including the engine compartment, you might find a water line. If you spot anything like that, you know the car was submerged in water, and about how high it came.
• Always turn on all onboard electronics to check that they work. Water damage might short out the wiring, so features that don’t work correctly or at all can signal that something is wrong.

Even if you don’t see any of these signs, that doesn’t necessarily mean that a car has not experienced water damage. One of the best ways to check for warning signs of water damage to a car is to get the VIN, then pay for a vehicle history report on Carfax or similar services.

Water and Engines

Water and engines don’t mix well. If your car has been submerged in water, the first thing to do is check the engine oil level on the dipstick. If the oil level is too high, you likely have water in the engine. Another sign is if the oil has turned milky, although that can also be caused by coolant mixing in.

Starting the engine with any water in it could result in serious damage, so you need to have it towed to a repair shop if you have any doubts. Always get an estimate on any work before having your mechanic begin fixing the engine.

Fixing Water Damage

You can fix some water damage yourself, but if it’s too extensive you must take your vehicle to a professional shop. Use construction fans to channel air throughout the interior, under the chassis, in the trunk, and in the engine compartment. You will need to do this for several hours, if not a day or more.

Never use a heater or anything that generates heat to dry out your car. Forced heat can cause a fire or explosion.

Getting Rid of the Odor

Don’t just put air fresheners in your car and expect that to get rid of the smell. You’ll need to do a deep cleaning of your vehicle. Shampoo the carpeting and cloth upholstery, condition any leather, and use cleaner on the hard surfaces. Let the car air out as much as you can.

Ultimately, you might have to turn to professional help. An auto detailer has the right skills to get rid of persistent smells.