Buying used cars is a tough proposition indeed. How do you account for hidden damages? If you do not check for these damages, you will have to shell out huge amounts of cash for repairs in future. A thorough inspection and checkup is highly recommended before you think of putting your money down for a quality used car. Water damage is one of the primary things you need to check for before buying any used car. Read on for tips on how to check for water damage in used cars.

Checking for water damage in used cars

Vehicles that have been damaged by water can lead to a plethora of problems for the vehicle owner. Corrosion sets in immediately after the car has dried up and moisture is drained out. This leads to component failure quite frequently. Electrical malfunctions are almost the first sign of water damage. You should always keep an eye out for the following things:

• Always check for any unnecessary odors that seem a little too musty. This indicates the presence of moisture. Often, such musty smells arise from rotting of metal on rear wheels or windows
• Always check for dampness inside the car. Take a thorough look at the seats and the carpeting beneath. If there are no carpets, pull back the rubber linings and take a look at the metal flooring condition. Wetness is common as moisture evaporation is problematic when it is trapped between the lining and the floor. Reach into the trunk to inspect the portion behind the rear wheels of the car. Also check the storage space for the spare tire. These are the commonest spaces for water collection
• If the car perfume seems heavier than usual, this may be an attempt to conceal damp or musty odors or smells in the car
• Check for rusting on car parts. Any metal or steel surface will suffer corrosion and rusting due to water damage. Any rusting in the car cabin automatically implies the entry of water
• Check the seat, headliner and rug fabric for signs of water damage. If there has been any damage, this will always be visible in the form of lines and other marks
• Check the car history for some detailed information on the car and its history of accidents and cases of being submerged in water
• Check out for unusually new car parts. If the odometer shows a minimal figure covered, this might mean replacement of the entire instrumentation section due to damage

These are some of the key points to keep in mind whenever you inspect your secondhand car for water damage. Always ensure a thorough checkup to avoid future problems owing to corrosion and component failure. You can use online classifieds portals to find quality used cars in your preferred location or any other city. There are various car classifieds advertisements that will help you find a quality used car at a substantially low price.