Flood-damaged cars may enter Kazakhstan market
Thousands of cars all over the world are damaged or destroyed by floods every year. Those cars are often repaired and resold in other countries without proper notification of the damage to buyers. In this regard, there are concerns that such vehicles may also end up in Kazakhstan as well, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports, citing Consumer Reports.
According to CarFax, tropical storms in the U.S. from June through August 2024 damaged 89,000 cars. That’s in addition to the 454,000 water-damaged cars that Carfax says returned to the road in 2023. And those figures don’t factor in the impact of the major hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Flood-damaged cars are often totaled by insurance companies and given a salvage title, indicating serious damage. However, some cars return to the market with clean titles due to loopholes, making it hard for buyers to know about past flood damage.
Those vehicles are often transported well beyond their original region after major storms to places where consumers may be less aware of the warning signs to look for. Buyers should be cautious, especially with cars that have a "lost" title or only a bill of sale.
The car damage
Such cars may appear to be in good condition at first glance, but hidden damage can lead to serious operational problems, affecting the safety and durability of the vehicle.
Water can ruin electronics, lubricants, and mechanical systems. It may take months or even years for problems to surface as corrosion finds its way to the car’s vital electronics, including airbag controllers. You need to carefully inspect any used car before buying one (or pay a mechanic to do it), even if you don’t live near a traditional storm area.
How to tell if a car was in a flood?
Buyers who are considering purchasing used cars, especially those imported from overseas, can use the following tips to ensure that the car is not damaged by floods.
1. Check the vehicle history: Check the vehicle's history. Using specialized services to check the vehicle identification numbers will help you find out if the vehicle was registered in a disaster area. Sites like Carfax can provide detailed information about past damage.
2. Look for water damage signs: Check carpets for musty smell, dirt, or new carpets in an old car. Inspect seat screws for signs of removal. Look for waterlines on lights and reflectors. See if the drain plugs have been recently removed.
3. Check engine oil. The water mixed into the oil can create an odd, milkshake appearance.
4. Get a professional inspection: Have a trusted mechanic examine the vehicle before purchasing.
