Driving through flooded areas
Driving through flooded areas can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. However, if it’s absolutely necessary to navigate through a flooded area, here are some essential guidelines to follow:
1. Avoid driving through floodwaters: If you can, find an alternative route. Even shallow-looking water can hide hazards such as debris or washed-out roads. It’s challenging to gauge the depth of the water, and it’s easy to get stuck or swept away.
2. Check the depth: If you must drive through water, first assess its depth. A good rule of thumb is to avoid driving through water that’s deeper than the bottom of your doors. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and find another route.
3. Go slow: If you have to drive through the water, proceed at a slow, steady pace. Sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause your vehicle to lose traction or stall.
4. Maintain steady momentum: Try to keep a constant speed as you move through the water. This helps create a bow wave in front of your vehicle, which can prevent water from flooding your engine bay and exhaust pipe.
5. Use the highest point of the road: Drive in the center of the road if possible, as water tends to accumulate at the edges. Additionally, avoid driving over downed power lines or submerged objects.
6. Watch for currents: Be cautious of any currents in the water, as they can easily carry your vehicle away. If you feel your vehicle being swept off course, steer in the direction of the current while maintaining forward momentum.
7. Test your brakes afterward: Once you’ve safely navigated through the flooded area, test your brakes by lightly pressing them to remove any water buildup. Wet brakes can reduce stopping power, so it’s important to ensure they’re functioning properly.
8. Inspect your vehicle: After driving through the water, check your vehicle for any signs of damage. Look for water in the engine bay, exhaust pipe, or interior cabin. If you notice any abnormalities, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
9. Be prepared to abandon your vehicle: If the water becomes too deep or your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Swiftly moving water can quickly engulf a vehicle and pose a serious threat to occupants.
10. If your car switches off DO NOT try to restart it: One of the reason it may be water in air intake which can enter and break the engine this way. Check that first!!!
11. If water enter car exhaust but not air intake: You may want to lift front of your car with the car jack to take it out before you try to restart your car.
Remember, it’s always better to avoid driving through flooded areas altogether. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to proceed, seek assistance or wait until the water recedes before continuing your journey. Safety should always be your top priority.
IMPORTANT: if you ever find yourself in situation that your car syncing in the water you have seconds to react to save yourself and your passengers. Please watch this video to inform yourself.
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