Even though it doesn’t rain much in the UAE, there is still a small chance that you might find a flood damaged car. In that case, you have to pay huge repair costs and face difficulty when it comes to selling it. Therefore, it is necessary to clear all your doubts and make sure the car you are buying is in good condition. To make matters easier for you, we have listed down some useful tips that can help you to avoid buying a flood damaged car.
Also, if you are buying a car from the auction in Dubai, there are a few things that you might need to consider, for instance checking car condition, documents etc.
Tips To Avoid Buying a Flood Damaged Car
Here are some of the tips on how to avoid buying a flood damaged car. These signs can help you in identifying if a car might have been flooded:
The Smell Test
Close all windows and doors and leave the car for about five minutes, preferably in the sun. Then, open the door slightly and take note of the first burst of air that escapes the cabin. A musty or damp odour could be a sign of water damage.
Additionally, if you notice an overpowering fragrance or fabric freshener, it might indicate that the dealer is trying to mask underlying issues. This is one of the key tips to avoid buying flood-damaged cars in Dubai and other emirates, without which hidden water damage can often go undetected without a careful inspection.
Check Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
You can ask for the vehicle identification number that can help you in getting the car’s history. The VIN can help you identify if your car has any accident history or if it was written off as being flooded.
The Touch Test
Always do a touch test to identify the flooded car problems. Take paper towels and press them against the rug. The paper towels will absorb moisture and show if the carpet is wet below the surface. Some rugs can be several inches thick for sound and heat insulation. If the paper towel gets wet, it could mean that water has gotten into the car.
Look For Flood Indicators
Rust and fungus are good indicators that the car has been flooded. In the case of mould, it usually forms in almost every area of the cab, especially the sides and seats.
You can also check for rust on the back of the car when the spare tyre is, under the cargo area. If you see these indicators, it means the car was flooded. Also, check that it is not present on tools or metal parts such as screws.
Pay Attention to the Electrical Part
It is common that, after drying, some items return to normal operation. However, sometimes, moisture can cause corrosion and damage the electrical part. This is why it’s essential to be cautious and take steps to avoid buying flood-damaged vehicles in Dubai and other emirates.
Therefore, before closing the deal, turn the ignition key and ensure that all warning accessories such as dashboard warning lights and gauges work properly. If the panel crashes, be alert. Assess the car’s electrical and electronic components, observe the operation of the car windshield, turn signals, radio, heater, air conditioner, and other components to make sure they work properly.
Open the Vehicle Hood
Checking under the hood is another way that can help you to avoid buying a flood damaged car. In some cases, the interior of the car may be clean, but the engine may be compromised. Therefore, try to check the levels of liquid in the engine, especially car engine oil, with the help of a dipstick.
The oil needs to be fresh and clean, without capturing any kind of moisture. Rust and accumulated dirt are also common in a car damaged by a flood.
Discoloured and Stains Inside the Vehicle
Another example of damage can be the car’s upholstery being covered by fabrics that have some kind of discolouration. Significant stains or colour differences between the upper and lower upholstery sections may be indications that water has entered the vehicle.
The Instrument Panel
Turn the ignition key and do a bulb test. Make sure each bulb lights up. If any of the car’s systems have a problem, the lack of a warning bulb can hide it.
Vehicles that have been flooded often have failures in their antilock braking and airbag systems. Checking that the light turns on and then off after the bulb test indicates that the system is on and has no active faults. Be mindful of all the tips for buying a flood damaged car to make an informed choice.
Consult with dubizzle Cars
Let the experts of dubizzle car inspection check your vehicle. Their pre-purchase car inspection service will allow you to avoid costly surprises and help you in making an informed decision.
All you need is to follow three steps and get the inspection done of the used car.
- Booking: You can sign up and make payments online. The rest will be handled by the dubizzle car’s professionals.
- Inspection: They will make arrangements with the seller and perform the pre-inspection.
- Report: You will get a report after the inspection has been done.
Inspection Charges
- QualityAssist: It is a 120-points inspection cost AED 299 (exclusive of 5% tax)
- QualityAssist: It is a 240-points inspection that cost AED 499 (exclusive of 5% tax)
Here specialised mechanics can lift the car and look underneath for mud, sticks, or stones in the suspension. A professional mechanic can check the oil in the differentials to make sure they don’t contain water. Spending a few dirhams to have it examined will give you peace of mind.
FAQs
Yes, UAE consumer protection laws require sellers to disclose major defects, including flood damage.
Check the service history, request an RTA inspection and look for signs like musty smells or water stains.
Watch for rust under seats, damp carpets, foggy headlights and malfunctioning electronics.
Yes, flood-prone areas like parts of Dubai and Sharjah tend to have more flood-damaged vehicles on the market.
Use inspection reports or visible damage to justify repair costs and ask for a reduced price.
With this, we conclude our guide here. Now you know how to avoid buying flood damaged cars. If you are planning to buy a used car in the UAE make sure you check all the aforementioned signs to avoid any hassle. In case your vehicle is severely affected by the flood, here is how you can fix
If you want to know more about car repair tips and tricks, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more.
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