So your car flooded or you want to avoid flooded cars? Here's how

So your car flooded or you want to avoid being sold a flooded car?

WATCH THE FULL HOUR-LONG Q&A SESSION

Can someone clean up a car that was totally underwater?
Yes. Someone can make it look brand new. You'll want to check in areas that aren't visible immediately, like where the spare tire is or under the seats. Mold can grow just about anywhere and people can make the car look like it was never in a flood.

What about all those cars at dealerships?
They'll be cleaned up and sold again, you should do everything you can to make sure you don't buy a flooded car if you don't know it's flooded.

Can a dealership sell me a flooded car without telling me?

No, it should be disclosed either on a title or another type of notification.

Are dealerships required to disclose their lot was flooded?
No, but a car's history report would say what cars were flooded.

Houston is #1 for flooded cars on the road.

Can I turn on the car and drive it to the mechanic?

It's not a good idea. If water is still on the electronics, even if it didn't get over the engine, it could still be damaging to start the car. Best bet is to tow it to a mechanic.

You can check for free if your car was in a flood at CarFax.com/flood.

Need to report fraud or a scam? Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 1-800-252-3439.

Do you have a story tip, idea or question for Ted Oberg Investigates? Let us know, at abc13.com/tedstips