HIGH WATERS LEAVE HIGH AUTO REPAIR BILLS IN THEIR WAKE

Water is welcome in many forms, but when Mother Nature will not turn her faucet off the damage toll can be seen in many different circumstances – including damage to your automobile.

Among the most frequently damaged items in some flooding scenarios are cars and trucks. Even a little bit of water goes a long way in causing serious problems both inside and out. Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois can help you determine what shape your car or truck is in and ensure you do not get sunk by buying a water-damaged vehicle.

Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois, part of the nations largest family of auto body experts, knows the warning signs of an excessive soaking. Here are some key points to consider.

• Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn't match the interior or fits loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored, faded or stained materials could reveal water damage.
• Smell for musty odors – this could indicate mildew.
• Check the trunk, glove compartment, the dashboard and under the seats for evidence of water damage such as silt, mud or rust.
• Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.
• Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
• Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.
• Look for corrosion in the wheel wells, under the hood and under the rear of the car.
• Go to a trustworthy mechanic for an inspection. Always get your automobiles checked BEFORE handing over any money.
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And just because a driver may not live near any major bodies of water, auto industry experts caution that the risk of buying a water-damaged automobile is not confined to storm and flood-ravaged locations. Kurt's CARSTAR Collision Center in Maryville, Illinois, also serving Edwardsville, Troy, Collinsville, Glen Carbon and Highland Illinois, can help you find automotive peace of mind.

Destroyed cars are often fixed cosmetically and transferred to neighboring states or other areas of the country where many are sold to unsuspecting customers. These floodwaters can cause damage to a car's computer and electrical systems, as well as possibly causing anti-lock braking and airbag systems to not work properly.