When choosing a used foreign car, most buyers check the engine, look under the hood, use a magnet to look for hidden traces of repairs, and are interested in the mileage. But even if everything looks in order, there is always a risk of getting on a car with a "tarnished reputation." Most of the drowned cars come to Russia from Japan. No wonder, because this country regularly suffers from tsunamis and typhoons. How not to fall for the bait and recognize a drowned car?
Instructions
Step 1
Take a good sniff of the smell in the cabin. The fact is that many microorganisms live in the sea. When the car sinks, they get inside, die and begin to decompose. Naturally, dishonest sellers will definitely dry and clean the interior. But coping with the specific smell of decay is not so easy. Therefore, most likely, they will flood the car with various kinds of incense. If you feel their haunting aroma, you should be on your guard.
Step 2
Look for signs of rust - this is a sure sign of a car that has been in the water. Inspect those areas of the machine body that should not come into contact with water under normal circumstances. Of course, an unscrupulous seller will try to eliminate traces of corrosion. But it will be problematic to do it under the pads, under the places where the trim adjoins the body, on small metal parts under the seats, on the caps protecting electrical contacts, etc. The masking of rust can also be indicated by the staining of these areas.
Step 3
Take a close look at the surface of the mirror reflectors of the car headlights. After all, if water has been inside, then even if it has dried up, it will certainly leave traces. True, the headlights on the car are not difficult to replace. Therefore, you should be wary if they are brand new on an old car.
Step 4
Every car that has been in the water has another characteristic feature. This is a clearly distinguishable hum of bearings in the generator, PMP, power steering, air conditioner and other attachments. It is present even if there is no moisture inside. The fact is that after the car has sunk, lubricant is guaranteed to be washed out of these units. This leads to the hum. Unfortunately, it is difficult to define it in the usual way, by ear. You will need a medical stethoscope. And best of all, if an experienced mechanic is listening.
