The New York Department of Motor Vehicles warned citizens about the possible sale of vehicles that were damaged by floods.
The DMV asked consumers to take precautions, because after the rains that affected the state at the end of September, some people will seek to sell their damaged cars.
Buying a car that suffered flood damage, they warned, could mean the vehicle has engine damage, transmission damage, corroded wiring, airbag damage or even computer problems.
In addition to the visual inspection that can be performed when purchasing the vehicle, consumers can verify if the unit has already been reported as salvaged or stolen.
It will go there if you have a report of theft or flood damage.
Tips when buying a used car
If you plan to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership or buy-sell business, you can check this link if that establishment is registered with the DMV.
If, on the other hand, you are purchasing a car from a private owner, you should know that you cannot file a complaint with the vehicle department, as it is a private transaction.
In any case you would have to take legal action against the seller.
The Department of Motor Vehicles issues a series of recommendations that you can follow when purchasing a used car:
Examine the vehicle in broad daylight. Look closely at the body for signs of collision damage or rust. Check the paint and vinyl on the top, sides or trim for signs of wear or damage. Check all lights, lenses and mirrors for cracks or other damage. Look inside the vehicle for signs of wear or damage that could reduce its value, such as cracks or holes in the upholstery. Make sure all seat belts are in place and in good working order. Look under carpets or rugs for moisture or water damage, which could mean leaks on the body. Open the trunk or rear hatch and check for leaks. Examine the spare tire and remove it if necessary. Make sure the jack and lug wrench are there. Examine the engine compartment for signs of rusted metal around the fenders, oil leaks, or excessive dirt in the engine. These may be signs of high mileage. Start the vehicle when the engine is cold and listen to make sure it runs smoothly when cold. While the engine is warming up, check the dashboard gauges and all interior and exterior lights. Make sure the heater, defrosters, air conditioning, windshield washers, and windshield wipers are working properly.
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Last Friday, New York experienced a historic day of rain, which exceeded 8.25 inches. The floods, which left multiple streets knee-deep in water, forced the suspension of basic services.
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The counties of Brooklyn and Queens were the most affected. Authorities asked those living in apartments to immediately find a place to go. The flood warning was extended until Saturday.
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During the contingency, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in New York City, while Mayor Eric Adams stayed at home and avoided going out unless strictly necessary.
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The New York City subway was impacted and several stations had to be closed for safety reasons during the flooding. There were also delays and cancellations at airports.
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Water leaked into certain New York subway platforms, affecting some services. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the city deployed additional buses because of the train disruptions.
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Fortunately, the historic rains left no fatalities. However, Governor Kathy Hochul reported that rescuers had to rescue 28 people from the “raging waters” in the Hudson Valley and Long Island.
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The “deluge” occurred two years after the remnants of Hurricane Ida left record-breaking rains in the northeastern region of the United States and claimed at least 13 lives in New York City.
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2023-10-17 17:26:00
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