SafeAuto released signs to look for and awareness tips about buying a flood-damaged vehicle following Hurricane Ida.

Cleanup is now happening after the recent hurricane and, here are the four tips SafeAuto provided.

• Look for signs of flooding  

Moisture in the trunk or carpet, water lines in the engine compartment, moldy or musty odors, rust under the car, and mud in the glove box or center console are all potential clues of a flood-damaged car.

• Hidden damage can compromise safety  

Even if you make extensive repairs on a water-damaged vehicle, its safety is probably compromised. In some cases, these cars have hidden damage that is difficult to spot, such as softened hoses or faulty electrical work. Although electrical components may be functioning now, saltwater contact can cause corrosion overtime. Resulting in issues that present themselves months or years down the road

• Low resale value

A flood-damaged car has a low market value, if you plan to drive your used car for a few years and then trade it in or sell it. It’s costly to completely restore a vehicle that has sustained water damage. Therefore, the likelihood that you’ll encounter this problem is high as sellers may not want to invest in fixing up a car with a flood or salvage stamp.

• Insurance difficulties

Factor in the insurance costs, if you’re considering a car that has been involved in a flood. It may cost you more to insure a vehicle that has flood damage, or your car insurance company may be unwilling to insure it at all.