As we have now reached winter, many of us are aware of the dangers that snowy conditions can have on driving conditions, but how many of us know how to react if we are faced with a flood? Flood warnings are regularly announced in weather reports throughout the winter, but how many people really pay attention to them and the impact they can have on our driving experience? Water depth can be particularly difficult to judge and water damage can be costly to repair if it is sucked into the engine. So although it sounds simple, the best piece of advice to follow is to not drive your car into any water. It could be a fast flowing ford or a river that has burst its banks, but the best option is to try and find an alternative route.
If you find yourself unexpectedly in water-logged conditions, here are some tips to keep you and your car safe:
Don't guess the depth of the water " if for example, you want to drive through a ford you regularly drive through, be aware that the level of water may have significantly increased following periods of heavy rain. Fords usually have markers to indicate safe levels of water so pay attention to this. If in doubt, do not drive through the water. If you car becomes submerged at a level above the door sills, you are at a serious risk of stalling the vehicle and potentially causing major damage to the interior should you open the door. If you do stall the engine do not try to restart the engine. This can result in the engine sucking in water instead of air meaning that it won't compress when the engine 'turns over'. This can cause serious damage to the engine, so the best option is to call an emergency call out service to be towed out.
It sounds obvious, but remember to keep all doors shut. If you do get stuck, it is recommended to stay in the car and call for help on your mobile phone. Only open the doors if you become concerned for your safety. After driving through water it's always advisable to get a mechanic to check the car out for any damage as it can take several weeks or months to show or cause mechanical parts of the car to fail.
Finally, always check your route and the weather conditions before you travel. If there are any flood warnings in place, adjust your route to avoid them. Follow these tips and you can potentially avoid expensive future costs of repairs and
Author Resource:-
Joanna Small - Automotive Journalist and Enthusiast
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