LONDON, Ontario -

Given the massive impact of Superstorm Sandy, which is believed to have flooded thousands of vehicles, CarProof Vehicle History Reports is providing a free Flood Damage Check.

Available on the company's website, this tool can alert users if their respective vehicles have ever been water-damaged in the U.S. and if the car has been registered in a significant storm-impacted area. Users simply enter their VIN.

“Checking for water damage is an important part of buying a used car as it can be difficult to tell if a vehicle has water damage as a result of an accident, heavy rainfall or a natural event like a hurricane,” the company said.

“Water damage, in particular saltwater damage, can have a lasting effect on a vehicle if it goes unrepaired — the engine, transmission, drive train, fuel, brake and power steering systems are most susceptible to the dirt and contaminants that accompany a flood and corrosion can continue to cause damage months, and even years later,” it added.