AI DamageFor a flooded car the key question is how high the water rose and whether it was salt water. That decides whether only the carpets are damaged, or also the modules under the seats, the wiring and the engine.
Water levels
| Level | What is at risk | Signs in the photos |
|---|---|---|
| Up to the sills | Brakes, bearings, low connectors, exhaust | Silt on the wheels and under the car, dirt in the wheel arches |
| Cabin floor | Carpets, sound insulation, modules and connectors under the seats and carpet | Wet or removed carpets, a dirt line on the sill trims |
| Seats | Seat motors and sensors, airbag sensors, the SRS module (on many models in the centre tunnel), infotainment | Stains on the seats, rust on the seat rails and belt buckles |
| Dashboard and above | Almost all cabin electronics, the engine intake (hydrolock) | Condensation in the headlights and instrument panel, dirt on the dashboard |
Why water damage gets more expensive over time
Right after water damage a car may start and even drive (see Run and Drive). Corrosion of contacts, connectors and circuit boards develops over weeks. Salt water speeds it up many times over. So a flooded car that is "alive" at auction may show a dozen fault codes a month later.
- Check the damage date and the state: coastal areas after hurricanes mean a salt water risk.
- Look in the photos for sand in the spare wheel well and boot recesses, rust on the seat bolts and pedals.
- Smell and mould do not show in photos, so budget for deep cleaning or replacing the interior.
Electric cars and hybrids
A high-voltage battery after salt water carries a separate fire risk, sometimes weeks after the flood. Without a battery diagnosis we rate such a lot as "inspect" or "do not buy", even if the body is intact.
What to include in the estimate
- Full interior strip-out, drying and treatment.
- Replacing modules and wiring harnesses under the seats and in the floor (often more expensive than the bodywork).
- Oils and fluids, checking the engine for hydrolock.
- A reserve for delayed electronic failures.
Video breakdown: 10 water levels and the Nissan Rogue dry carpet case.