AAA warns of possibly flood-damaged vehicles on market

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- AAA Oklahoma is warning Oklahomans to be wary of water damaged cars and trucks being brought to the state from areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.<br/><br/>AAA spokesman Chuck Mai says

Tuesday, August 30th 2005, 1:31 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- AAA Oklahoma is warning Oklahomans to be wary of water damaged cars and trucks being brought to the state from areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.

AAA spokesman Chuck Mai says flooding can damage the engine, transmission, steering and brakes and cause electrical systems to fail. He says restoring a flood-damaged vehicle can be as expensive as restoring a classic car.

Signs of flooding include dried mud under the hood, a damp or musty odor in the trunk or interior or new carpet and upholstery in used cars.

May advises buyers to have the car or truck inspected by a technician and its title history should be checked before the purchase.