What you should look out for when buying a car after a storm.Cars are often susceptible to damage from heavy rain and flooding after a bad storm, such as a hurricane or tropical storm.Getting a car is an essential and one of the most expensive purchases for many people, so it's important to make sure the vehicle you're looking at is in top-notch shape and that you get what you pay for.The weather can impact any vehicle across the country, but some states are more likely to see flood-damaged cars than others. It's especially important for South Carolinians to make sure the car they're thinking of purchasing is roadworthy, because the Palmetto State has some of the most flood-damaged cars in the country.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to a report from Carfax, SC has the eighth-most flood-damaged vehicles in the country, with more than 15,000 flood-damaged cars on the road. Across the U.S., Carfax says there are 482,000 flooded cars back in use as of 2025.Even if you live in an area that doesn't see much rain, damaged cars for sale are often moved from where the flood damage originally occurred, making it all the more important to check for tell-tale signs of damage.Here's what you should look out for when buying a car to avoid the hassle of dealing with rust and other issues:How to spot signs of flood damage in vehiclesCarfax has a list of physical signs that may point to water damage in a vehicle that you should be aware of when buying a car:AdvertisementAdvertisementA musty odor in the interior can be a sign that a car has had prolonged contact with water. Sellers might try to mask the smell with strong air-freshenerUpholstery or carpeting that may be loose, new, stained or doesn't seem to match the rest of the interiorDamp carpets. Check underneath the seats to see if the carpet and padding are retaining moistureRust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals, or inside the hood and trunk latches. Rust can compromise a vehicle's safety and structure.Mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seatsBrittle wires under the dashboardFog or moisture beads in the interior lights, exterior lights or instrument panelIf you see any of these signs when car shopping, it may be best to ask the seller additional questions about the vehicle or look at a new car entirely.Other ways to avoid flood-damaged carsMost reputable sellers will disclose whether a vehicle has experienced water damage, but refurbished flood-damaged cars can be difficult to identify without proper documentation, and it only takes one purchase to leave you financially devastated.Here are some other tips to make sure you're actually buying a worthwhile car:AdvertisementAdvertisementFind a well-established car dealership or family-owned dealer. Most are not in the business of making short-term profit and won't risk making a quick buck selling misrepresented flooded vehiclesResearch the car's history and title through Carfax. If you see anything about flood damage or a "Salvage" title, skip that carCheck under the hood. Look for debris that may have washed in and deposited itself in the engine bay's nooks and crannies. Finding unexplained leaves, silt, and sand inside the spark plug wire cavities is concerning and likely the result of flood watersTake a lengthy test drive. Before purchasing a car, a test drive should always be taken to make sure the electrical systems seem to be working, the car isn't making weird noises and there aren't any weird smellsAsk a local mechanic. A second opinion never hurts, and a reputable expert outside a dealership can help you spot water damage in no time