With such unpredictable weather in the past few years, many automobiles have fallen victim to flood damage. Unfortunately, some of them wind up on the used car market, masquerading as quality, pre-owned vehicles. The auto show experts from Charlotte AutoFair in Charlotte, NC, know that it isn’t always easy to tell if a particular vehicle has suffered flood damage, so they’ve compiled a few facts for you.

Whether you’re shopping for an antique car or a reliable secondhand auto, here are five clear signs that indicate a vehicle has suffered flood damage:

• Discolored Carpeting: One easy way to tell if a vehicle has been damaged by standing water is if the carpet or upholstery has large stains or differences in color; a used car with brand-new upholstery should also raise a red flag.
• Unusual Odors: Flood damage often leaves a few lingering signs, one of the most obvious being an unusual moldy odor in a vehicle’s interior. Such a scent indicates the car has been a victim of mold or mildew, which is often caused by extended exposure to moisture.
• Unusual Dirt Buildup: Before making any deals, have a licensed mechanic inspect your prospective vehicle for any unusual dirt buildup, like mud in its alternator crevices, pumps, or relays; such buildup is evidence of flood damage.
• Rusty Undercarriage: When purchasing a used vehicle, it’s important to inspect every inch of it, especially the undercarriage. Signs of rust or flaking metal on a car’s undercarriage usually means it’s suffered some type of water damage.
• Exterior Water Buildup: The antique car professionals from Charlotte AutoFair recommend paying special attention to a vehicle’s exterior components like wheel wells, and headlights, and taillights. Moisture buildup in these areas is a clear sign of extensive water damage.

For more helpful tips on how to spot water damage on a vehicle. contact the antique car pros from Charlotte AutoFair today at (704) 841-1990. You can also visit them online for a closer look at what they do.