A recent study by Carfax reports that flood-damaged cars areappearing all over the U.S.

Carfax warns that water can fatally damage a car's mostimportant features like the electrical and safety systems. It cancause airbags and antilock brakes to malfunction, effectivelyturning the car into a ticking time bomb.

“Flooded cars are indeed on the move and consumers everywhereare at risk,” said Larry Gamache, communications director atCarfax, in the report. “However, using the information gathered inour database, and new resources like Carfax Xpert, used-carshoppers can uncover some of the nasty secrets a car may behiding.”

Used-car sales are expected to top 44 million this year, whichmeans that consumers should be on high alert for signs of hiddendamage and potential fraud.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an unprecedented effortwas made by the auto industry to identify, process, and reportthese vehicles, as well as warn consumers about the dangers offlooded cars,” added Gamache in the report.

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