Hurricane Harvey that killed more than 30 Texas residents, also destroyed more than 500,000 cars as they were deemed inoperable and junked as salvage. According to Lauren Fix, an auto expert and “Car Coach” who spoke to Inside Edition, the number might be more than that when everyone returns home to clear out damaged property.
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“If the vehicle is floating, completely underneath [the surface], it’s junk — just forget about it,” she said. “If it is below [a] point called the sill, your brakes, fuel lines, exhaust system and computers need to be checked.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“If the water is halfway up the door, you’re probably in trouble, because all that dirty water has now flown into the vehicle.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Fix continued, “Safety systems don’t work. Anti-lock brake systems and the car could stop and die at any time and even worse, there’s zero warranty.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Fix further have tips for unsuspecting buyers who may be sold a flood-damaged car.
“If you suspect that a vehicle might be flood-damaged, turn the fan on as high as possible for heat and the air-conditioning and put your nose to the vent,” she said. “If it smells moldy or perfumed, that’s a sign water has been down those vents and you want to walk away from that vehicle.” (Inside Edition)