Warren Barnard is the executive director of the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario. While he agrees flood cars haven’t historically been a significant issue here in Canada, he notes there are things consumers should always be aware of.
George Iny, president of the APA, explains another way damaged cars can make their way back into the food chain. “My understanding is that vehicles not insured against flood damage are the ones to look out for. Their owners trade them in quickly after water damage, knowing there will likely be gremlins , and without declaring the damage to the dealer that takes the vehicle in trade or with the collusion of the party taking the vehicles.
He suggests looking for humidity under carpeting, compartment covers, and around anchor points for seats, seatbelts and tie-downs. Voltage receptacles are another tell-tale place to look. “A vehicle that was underwater will also have mud, dirt and sand in the lowest-lying places, such as under the dashboard and in other storage compartments in minivans and SUVs. Brakes will be unusually rusty.
When faced with a flooded Don Valley Parkway or a flash-flood of unknown depth across an intersection, keep in mind what he did after thrashing through similar high-water scenarios off-road, on purpose:Article content “No flooded vehicle is a place to stay, however, and whether ICE or EV, neither is intended to ford water above the axles.