Driving through flood is inevitable especially in rainy seasons and flood prone areas. One can have a dry road now only to have it flooded the next hour as a result of down pour or surge from burst river banks. What should you do in that case? Simple! Find an alternative road. Better to arrive late than to have regrets. But if there is no other road, you must be convinced that your car can make it through to the other side of the flood. Do not dare the flood if you know your car can not make it through. You risk your car engine cutting out in the flood and getting flooded which in turn can damage your connecting rod if you do.
The following precautions when taken will help you drive safely through flood.
Before Entering the flood
Stop and watch the cars ahead of you. Take note of their track. If a lead vehicle gets stuck or breaks down, you would have no other choice than to reverse. If there is no lead car in sight, step out of the car, use a stick to gauge the depth of the water and make a mental calculation of where the water comes on the stick. Compare the gauge with your car. If it is higher than the lowest part of your car’s body work, your safest bet is not to drive through it.
Be considerate of other road users. Consideration and empathy demand that you do not get into the water in a manner that will jeopardize the safety of others who might be struggling to cross too. You do not want to get them soaked or cause them to slip into the water. You also want to remember that the bow waves your forward motion creates can affect oncoming vehicles. Be considerate of others.
Allow oncoming vehicles pass. Waiting for an oncoming vehicle to get through the flood is very necessary especially if it is a larger vehicle. The bow wave It makes could soak your engine and cause it to break down.
While In the flood
Slow down. Stopping distance in the rain will be at least double those in good whether condition. Reduce your speed and ensure you keep a greater distance between you and the car ahead of you. Water is so powerful that if you drive too quickly, it could rip off your bumper. Water could also get into the engine compartment.
Don’t accelerate when you notice your car wheels spinning and skidding off track. This is called aquaplaning. It happens when a layer of water gets between the road and your tyre. Easing off the accelerator and keeping the steering straight helps restore control of your car.
Keep your steering straight during aquaplaning
Drive in the middle of the road. Roads are higher in the middle than at the sides. Take advantage of this. Driving in the middle will minimize the chances of driving unto a soft verge or hitting a kerb.
Maintain high revs. Keeping the revs high will keep water from entering the exhaust and also reduce the risk of the car stalling. To achieve this, you have to drive with first gear. If it is an automatic transmission, shift to the lowest possible gear (note: the car must be stopped before shifting)
If you break down in flood water. Stay inside your car and call for help. Do not get out or try to restart the engine as that could push water into it.
After the Flood.
Your brakes should be the first thing to check after driving through flood water. It is possible for your brakes to become clogged especially if you drove through muddy water. You make sure they are working well by slightly stepping on your brake while still moving. Doing so will remove any possible debris on the brake surface and help dry the wet brake.
Underneath the car, Radiator and interior should be checked because debris could be stuck on the radiator and this results in over heating as the breathing could be impaired. You also want to make sure that your car interior is not flooded especially if the flood water is quite high. If it is flooded, you may have to remove components that can be damaged by water and take measures to get it dried.
Ensure your car fluid has not been contaminated. Use your dip stick to check your oil for possible contamination(discoloration) If your engine oil turns milky, it has been contaminated. Get it replaced as soon as possible.
Always check your engine oil for discoloration after driving through flood water
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