(NAPSA)—Recentresearch suggests drivers may be behind the wheel of more than 325,000 previously flooded vehicles. That’s a 20 percent increase from 2016 and a stark reminder to consum- ers to do due diligence when used-car shopping. One Woman's Story “T boughta carlast year andthe seller never told us anything aboutit being a flood car, said Charlene Geiger from Pennsylvania. “When we got home and ran a Carfax, there it was—a flood car from Hurricane Sandy. It showed that the seller bought it as a salvage car and the title was washed whenhebroughtit to Pennsylvania. Welost $16,000 overall ofit? Where To Be Most Wary Vehicles reported as flood damaged by a state’s Department of Motor Vehi- cles (DMV), insurance companies and more have washed up in every state. These 10 have the most: a CwoOWmOnNA UNF WN 1. Texas—51,000 . Louisiana—29,000 . . . . . Pennsylvania—20,000 Florida—19,000 Kentucky—16,000 Illinois—15,000 South Carolina—13,000 . Virginia—13,000 . North Carolina—13,000 . Michigan—11,000. In addition, several hundred thou- sand more flooded cars may emerge from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Historically, about half the vehicles damaged by floods end up back on the market. Floodedcars rot from the inside out as water corrodes the mechanical | Don’t let a flooded-out used car put a damperon your driving. parts, shorts the electrical system, and compromises safety features like air bags and anti-lock brakes. Health concerns are an added problem, as mold and bacteria permeate thesoft parts of the car. “Our data shows there's still much work to be done in helping consumers avoid buying flood-damagedcars,” said Dick Raines, president of Carfax. “They can, and do, showupall over the coun- try, whether it be a few miles or hundreds of miles from where the flooding occurred. With two devastating storms like Harvey and Irma, it’s vital for used-car buyers everywhere to protect themselves from flooded cars that may wind up for sale. Start with a thorough test-drive, a vehicle history report and a mechanic’s inspection before buying any used car.” Free Assistance And Advice With the world’s largest vehicle his- tory database, Carfax helps millions confidently buy, own andsell used cars. Now, in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,it’s letting consumers check for flood damagefree of charge at www. carfax.com/flood. Shar. Editor’s Note: Localized flooded vehicle statistics are available upon request. An infographic is also availablefor use at www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars.
