Check for Rust and Musty Odours: Beware of Flood-Damaged Used Cars

JAKARTA – Purchasing a used car is certainly tempting due to its more affordable price. However, prospective buyers must exercise extra caution, particularly to ensure the vehicle has not been previously inundated by flood water. Cars that have been submerged in floods risk harbouring problems in the future.

Lukman Hakim, owner of vehicle inspection services at PT Inspector Indonesia Expert, stated that there are several components that can be checked by the average person without requiring specialist equipment.

“Under the dashboard and under the seats – if the rust is thick and evenly distributed or even clumped (blocking), it indicates strong evidence of flood damage, and there may be residual dried mud remaining in the corners of the interior, safety belt labels,” Hakim told Kompas.com this week.

The area under the dashboard is typically not cleaned in detail by sellers. If thick rust that spreads evenly or even clumps together is visible, the car should be suspected of having been submerged for a considerable period.

The same applies to under the seats. Pay attention to the seat rails, fastening bolts, and the corners of the carpet. Dried mud residue is often left behind in hidden areas that escape cleaning efforts.

Cabin Odour

In addition to visual inspection, the sense of smell can also help detect flood-damaged used cars. However, ordinary musty odours and odours resulting from flood water have different characteristics.

According to Lukman, odours from floods typically spread throughout the vehicle, including the boot area. This differs from ordinary damp odours that are generally concentrated in a specific area, such as from an air-conditioning unit that is rarely cleaned.

A simple method that prospective buyers can employ is to lift the cabin carpet partially and feel the area underneath. If it still feels damp or there are water marks, it is advisable to be cautious.