| Perhaps you drove through high water, or you may | | | | air filter and change the oil. |
| even have had an accident at the car wash, there is a | | | | 5. Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area, |
| chance then that you may have damaged your | | | | and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, and rust. If any of |
| vehicle. Don't put off inspecting your car till tomorrow. | | | | these are present, have your used car washed and |
| Water that gets left inside your car doesn't just | | | | cleaned as soon as possible. Any mechanical repairs |
| evaporate without first causing damage. | | | | can be checked out by au and OzFreeOnline.com, |
| @How to Protect Your Used Car in Australia | | | | where you can search online to find the right |
| @Your main concern about water invading your used | | | | establishment and the people with expertise to take |
| car is contamination and rust. | | | | your used car back to its perfect condition. |
| 1. Check carpets and upholstery. Check also door and | | | | 6. Have the brake system checked by a professional. |
| trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then your | | | | Water-logged brake systems are especially |
| used car will need professional attention. Simply | | | | dangerous on slippery roads. |
| air-drying the carpet is not enough; you will be soon | | | | 7. Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. |
| notice that mildew and nasty odours will have come | | | | Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water. |
| out. | | | | 8. Finally, listen for abnormal noises while the engine is |
| 2. Check seat brackets, motor, and modules. Be sure | | | | running. Make a note of where the noise is coming |
| they're free of rust and properly operating. | | | | from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as |
| 3. Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and | | | | possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, |
| differential plug. If the fluid appears milky or diluted, is no | | | | serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air |
| longer its original colour, or is light brown in colour, then it | | | | conditioner, and wheel bearings. Check the suspension |
| is likely the pans contain water. Have your car repaired | | | | joints and lubricate as necessary. Many used car |
| immediately. Driving the car with water present may | | | | models are lubricated at the factory for life; however, |
| damage the internal parts and require extensive | | | | these joints should be checked for rust as well. |
| overhaul or car repairs. Some new synthetic | | | | By being car care aware and following these simple |
| differential fluids are deliberately milky but are not | | | | guidelines, you can help minimize the potential for |
| water-contaminated though, so when in doubt let a | | | | damage to your used car. You see, water doesn't |
| professional make the evaluation. | | | | necessarily have to be your car's worst enemy. |
| 4. Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the | | | | |