A wave of flood-damaged vehicles from Hurricane Sandy could sweep soon through the national auto market, AAA Washington warned last week.

Damage to the vehicles could include the obvious water-wrecked upholstery and carpet, but also not-so-noticeable corrosion, water and dirt in engines, transmissions and drive trains, said John Milbrath, a AAA spokesman.

Used-car buyers should check a vehicle’s title history and have the purchase inspected by a qualified auto technician, said Milbrath.

Signs of a flood-damaged vehicle include damp or musty odors, carpet or upholstery recently replaced, mud or water stains hidden under the dashboard, rusted door frames and hinges and malfunctioning electric windows or lights.

For more info, visit aaa.com.

— Mike Irwin, World staff