Is your car really capable of driving through that flood?

Modern cars are constructed to withstand tough weather conditions and while most of them can easily drive through a severe flood, there are some dangers which can’t be eliminated. The most common ones are shorted-out electrics and water in the engine. However, there are even more dangerous situations like ending up in deeper waters and being unable to get out of your car in time. So what can you do to minimise the risk of damaging your car or threatening your health?

The best thing you can do is try to avoid the flood. Go around it or wait until the danger passes. If this is not an option, then you should make sure that the water isn’t deeper than six inches. The best way to do this is to observe how other cars and trucks pass through the flood and determine if your car can get through it. Don’t drive fast through the flood, because there are often hidden gullies and dips that can severely damage your vehicle.

If you start driving through the flood, do your best to stay as close to the side of the road as possible. Also, don’t try driving fast. Drive in first gear and rev up the engine in order to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe.

Owners of 4×4 cars should follow the tips as well, because the 4×4 doesn’t make driving in a flood easier. According to experts from Land Rover, the best way to enter a flood is driving with no more than 3-4mph. The slow speed, combined with the large vehicle will push the water away and reduce the risk of water entering the engine.

One of the major mistakes which drivers make is increasing their speed when they are about to enter a shallow puddle. The excess speed may lead to ‘aquaplaning’ – a situation in which the vehicle glides on the surface of the water and is completely out of control.