Nature is a powerful thing that cannot be controlled. Hurricanes are one example of how powerful nature can be. Disastrous events can leave all sorts of damage behind, including flood damage to cars. When looking for used vehicles to purchase, you need to make sure you avoid buying these types of vehicles, and here’s why.

The Damage May Be Substantial

Sometimes the damage associated with flooded cars can put the driver and passengers in danger. The water that penetrates a car could lead to electronic or lubricant issues. Lubricants reduce the chances of car parts catching fire. It should also be noted that corrosion could develop later on. This problem is silent and difficult to detect in a used car inspection but could put you in jeopardy. Given enough time, corrosion could compromise electronics as well. Keep in mind the airbags you depend on also rely on your car’s electronics, which may be compromised.

Flood-Damaged Cars Can Have Costly Repairs

You should know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re considering a car with flood damage. These cars come with damage that needs to be addressed quickly. The car’s electrical components are vital, so they should be addressed right away, but these issues are usually difficult to repair and costly.

Restoring a flooded car is going to require a significant amount of money and patience. Most people do not have the money or time to invest in a flooded car that is not a classic or special vehicle. Keep in mind the whole point of having a car is to get you from point A to point B. A car that cannot provide reliable transportation is a waste of money. Insurance companies are not going to want to insure flooded vehicles either.

There are several additional issues related to cars with flood damage, including the following:
Mold growth or other bad odors
Dirty engine
Seat jerking when adjusting
Safety belts that do not pull out easily
These are just some of the reasons you shouldn’t buy a car with flood damage. It’s a good idea to check vehicle records when purchasing a used vehicle, even if the seller tells you there is nothing wrong with the car. Some sellers may lie to get more money for their vehicles, so be cautious. To be safe, it’s a good idea to get a professional auto inspection done on the car before purchasing it.

At Lemon Squad, we do our best to detect flood damage, but it’s not always possible to see this type of damage. However, you should still give us a call to look for these and many other potential issues. To schedule an appointment with one of our technicians, give us a call at 1-888-231-7965.

Drivers who used to smoke or currently do are well aware of the smell cigarettes can leave in a car, which can make passengers feel disgusted and uncomfortable. If you don’t smoke, you probably don’t want a car that smells like you do smoke. When searching for used vehicles, you’ll want to have a car inspection before buying one, as there’s a good chance you might come across a car you want to buy that has the unpleasant smell of cigarettes. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to fix this issue and leave the car smelling brand new.

Gather Your Materials

Here are a few things you might need to remove the scent of cigarettes:

Wireless car vacuum cleaner
Deodorizing agent
Steam cleaner
White distilled vinegar
Towels
Plastic bowls
Baking soda
Brush

Air the Vehicle Out

The first step to getting the smoky smell out of the interior of a car is to roll down all of the windows and allow air to circulate throughout the vehicle. If needed, use a fan to vent the outside air, which will at least get some of the smell out of the car.

Vacuum the Vehicle

A cordless car vacuum cleaner can remove residue left by cigarettes out of the car. Before vacuuming, use a brush to loosen debris wedged in the seats and on the floor. Make sure to vacuum carefully and get in between all the nooks and crannies on the inside of the vehicle. One often-forgotten about area to clean is the floor mats. Removing the floor mats and vacuuming debris, especially cigarette ashes, is a must.

Try Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning the interior of a car can kill germs, which will leave the seats smelling brand new. It’s important to note that steam cleaning the interior of a vehicle is not a practice that should be done frequently, as it may cause damage, especially to leather surfaces. If steam cleaning the interior is a must, it’s better to have it done by a professional.

Use Chemicals or Home Remedies

There are numerous chemical solutions that promise to eliminate cigarette odors. When applying cleaner to the interior of a car, it’s important to read the label to ensure the specific chemicals are safe to use on the surface of the interior. While products such as store-bought deodorizers can eliminate bad smells, there are home remedies that can do an outstanding job as well. Sprinkling baking soda on the interior will absorb the scent of cigarettes and is an inexpensive way of getting rid of bad smells. Additionally, placing a towel into a plastic bowl and filling it with white distilled vinegar will dispel odors if left to sit in the car for an extended time, as the vinegar will absorb the odor.

Before you buy any used vehicle, get in touch with Lemon Squad for an auto inspection. We’ll contact the technician nearest you and send him or her to inspect the vehicle, giving you peace of mind that the car you’re buying is in good shape. Call us today at 1-888-231-7965.

Tires wear out after a while, no matter how carefully you try to drive. If you get your maintenance done by certified mechanics or get a car inspection done when purchasing a used vehicle, they probably check your tires for wear as part of their routine. Having good tires keeps you safe on the road, as you will have better traction and be less likely to have an unexpected blowout. You can even get a ticket for operating a vehicle with unsafe tires. Here are 5 signs that indicate you need new tires.

1. Tread 

Many people use a simple trick to see if their tires have become so worn they are no longer safe. All you need to do is stick a penny head first into several different tread grooves in each of your tires. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the treads are too shallow. You could end up having an accident in bad weather because your tires are unsafe.

2. Age 

While it may seem arbitrary compared to a factor you can see, like tread wear, the age of your tires could mean they have met the end of their use. The manufacturer often has a warranty that goes with the age a tire can achieve while offering optimal performance. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing tires as often as every six years after their manufacturing date, while some tires can last as long as ten years after this date.

3. Defects in the Sidewall 

Some defects on the sidewall are merely cosmetic and will cause no danger if ignored. Because they are in such a vulnerable part of the tire, sidewalls often get marks or defects from wear on city streets. However, if there is a bulging area or areas on the sidewall, there could be a bad fit or an impact could have caused serious damage to your tire. You should get it checked out, and you may need a new tire.

4. Weak Spots, Bulges, and Blisters

When you see these kinds of defects on the outside surface of your tire, it means that area is becoming weak. You won’t be able to repair or patch it because it shows a structural weakness, and this kind of defect is particularly dangerous because it can lead to blowouts while driving.

5. Vibration While Driving

If your car is vibrating while you’re driving, it could be because of several different issues. First, make sure you notice it on different roads because rough pavement may be something you need to avoid. Your steering could cause your car to shake if it’s out of alignment, and issues with the body could cause a vibration. The car might also be shaking because at least one of your tires is defective and needs to be replaced.

Make sure to get an auto inspection if you’re considering buying a used vehicle. Contact Lemon Squad at 1-888-231-7965, or check our website to see the different types of inspections we offer.

After you’ve had a car inspection performed and purchased a used vehicle, you may discover the windshield wipers need to be replaced. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Your windshield wipers are a lot more important than you might think since they help you see well throughout your drive on a rainy day. The wipers of a car must be changed from time to time to ensure safety. One of the best ways to determine if your car wipers need to be changed is by checking if they show the following signs.

Skipping

Skipping takes place when certain parts of the windshield do not get cleaned as a result of the abrupt movement the wiper faces. The wiper may be facing issues related to alignment, or one of the parts of the wiper may have worn off or even broken off. This is undoubtedly a time to get your wipers changed.

Streaking

Streaking occurs when dirt is left behind as a result of residue that has formed on the wipers. This residue can sometimes be cleaned off, but most of the time the wipers will retain some dirt, which can leave marks on the windshield and sometimes even damage it.

Splitting

Splitting happens when the wipers have a certain amount of damage and are not adequately attached to the handle or the car windshield itself. This usually means it’s time for the wiper to be changed since there is very little that can be done to fix a broken wiper. Even if there is some way you manage to fix the wipers, there is always the chance they are going to come apart again, which is not ideal, especially if it happens when you are driving in the rain and are in dire need of a clear windshield.

Squeaking

Squeaking can be caused by a variety of issues, but this annoying sound is usually an indication the wipers need a quick change. One of the main reasons for squeaking is the rubber layer on the wipers wearing out, which can cause scratches and other damage to the windshield.

Inspecting the Wipers

If you are experiencing any of the above issues with your wipers and are unable to replace them yourself, it’s probably time for a visit to the mechanic. However, you can inspect them yourself before you go to a professional. If any parts have broken off or fallen apart, try to keep the parts so you can show them to your mechanic. Scrutinize the entire wiper and try to determine what could be causing the issue.

Though it’s important to make sure the windshield wipers are working correctly, there are much more serious issues that should be checked during an auto inspection before you decide to purchase a used vehicle. Get in touch with Lemon Squad today at 1-888-231-7965, and we’ll send one of our technicians out to inspect the car you’re interested in.