Monica Reed

Photo: Canva

Can you spot a flood car?

The flooding and devastation from Hurricane Ian is terrible!  it can bring out the best in people but it can also bring out the worst in people.  For instance, unsuspecting people can buy a flood damaged car that has been through the worst!  A few minor, inexpensive repairs and flood-damaged cars can regularly end up back on the roads with a flood of mechanical or electrical problems.  The cars are usually quick fixed and shipped to other cities out of state for a quick profit. Of course, you get a flood of headraces with the car!

The used car market so hot, so that means many damaged vehicles from Hurricane Ian could end up in Clarksville, Hoptown, Oak Grove or anywhere close! Be aware! They often are transported out of market so they can be sold to customers that may not be looking for signs of recent water damage, according to consumer reports.

When you first look at a vehicle, it might be perfect to the naked eye, but how can you check to see if it’s been in a flood?

  1. Water damage will show up in a car’s oil and fluids.
  2. Look to see if there’s rust where it shouldn’t be, like hinges in the doors and hood.
  3. Look for a water line on the headlight covers.
  4. If the carpet has been replaced on an older model car, that’s another red flag.

When buying a used vehicle, get 2 mechanics to look the vehicle over to see if someone isn’t trying to get one over on you!

News from ClarksvilleNow.com

A pickup truck went off the Bypass and crashed, catching fire, on March 4, 2026. (CPD, contributed)

yesterday in News

UPDATE: Truck catches fire after going into ravine off Bypass in Clarksville

The US 41A Bypass in Clarksville has been shut down after a wreck with injuries.

yesterday in Education, News

CMCSS installing new OpenGate weapons detection systems at high schools

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is replacing its Evolv weapons detection pilot technology with a new open-frame system called OpenGate.

Tuesday in Crime, News

2 life sentences in Dodge’s murder trial, 3rd defendant guilty of lesser charge

Two men were sentenced to life in prison Tuesday after a jury convicted them of first-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of Jarlen Corbin. A third defendant was found guilty of reckless homicide.

Monday in Crime, News

3 takeaways from Dodge’s murder trial: 1 defendant testifies, claims self-defense

Jurors heard from one of the three men charged in the 2023 Dodge’s shooting as Otis Barnes said he was “afraid for his life” before opening fire.

Agape Maria House on February 9, 2026. (Wesley Irvin)

Monday in Lifestyle, Special Reports, Videos

Maria House provides hope, housing for Clarksville teen moms in foster care | VIDEO

In a neighborhood in Clarksville, a home known as the Maria House has opened its doors to teenage mothers in foster care.