Skip to content
What are the top safety tips for driving through floods? The best tip is to avoid the area and do not drive through the flood, if at all possible. However, if you have no alternative, here's what you should do – 8 Tips for Driving Safely Through Water.
1: Assess the Water Depth
2: Always Avoid Moving Water
3: Turn Off Your Air Conditioning
4: Drive Slow & Steady Through the Water
5: Use a Low Gear
6: Avoid Sudden Braking
7: Check Your Brakes Afterwards
8: Have a Professional Mechanic Check the Vehicle
Avoid Flooded Roads – If Possible
The best advice for driving through a flood is to avoid, avoid, avoid. If you can at all, you should avoid the flooded area and plan an alternative route. Driving through a shallow body of water can cause serious damage to your car, more on this below. If at all possible, avoid the flooded area and do not drive your car through the water. However, if you have no alternative, follow the tips below on how to safely drive a car through a flood.
Top Safety Tips For Driving Through Floods
Assuming you have no choice but to drive through a flooded area, here's what you should do.
1: Assess Water Depth
The first thing you need to do is assess the water depth. How deep is the water? Cars should avoid driving through anything deeper than six inches. You can gauge water depth in several ways. If another car passes through ahead of you, watch to see how high the water rises along the car tyres.
Another great option is to assess the depth by using an adjacent kerb. How high does the water reach on the kerb side? Alternatively, you can use a pole or a wheel wrench. Exit the vehicle and dip the pole or wrench into the flooded area to determine its depth.
2: Do Not Drive Through Moving Water
Is the water moving? Take a moment to observe the flooded area. Is the body of water moving or is it resting still? If it's moving you should not drive through. Even small volumes of moving water can be dangerous to drive through and have the ability to sweep a car off the road. Only proceed if the water is stagnant.
3: Turn Off the Air Conditioning
This is an often overlooked tip. Switch off the air conditioning (AC). When the AC is powered on, it sucks air into the engine area of the car.
Driving through a flood could result in water being sucked in by the AC. Take a moment to switch it off before you enter the pool of water.
4: Slow & Steady Through the Water
Ok, now it's time to enter the water. Assuming you have decided it's safe to do so. The key is to drive slow and steady. Slow speed will minimise the impact between the car and the water. And, this will reduce the amount of water splashing up into the engine and auxiliary systems. Crawl through the flood as slowly as you can. And, keep your speed steady.
5: Drive in a Low Gear
Use a low gear. You want to drive the car slow and steady, so it's imperative you use a low gear. First works well for crawling at a snail's pace. This will also keep the revs high and help prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe. If you're driving an automatic, just go easy on the accelerator. Applying as little pressure as possible will ensure a low gear and maximise engine revs.
6: No Sudden Braking
Avoid sudden braking. You want to cause as little disturbance in the flood as possible. This ensures minimal water splashing and reduces the amount of water coming into contact with the vital components under the bonnet.
Using the brakes will also soak your brake pads. And, wet brakes are less effective and increase braking distance. If at all possible, don't use your brakes as you travel through the flood.
7: Check Your Brakes Afterwards
Once you've come out the other side, check your brakes. Drive a short distance to allow the wheels to dry, then gently apply the brakes. How does the car respond? Repeated gentle tapping will help dry them out and boost performance. If you observe a more consistent problem, visit a mechanic and get them checked.
8: Have the Car Assessed by a Mechanic
If you experience any unexpected issues, you should have the car checked by a mechanic. There are a wide range of things that can go wrong after driving through a flood. Common issues include engine problems, electrical damage, and ineffective brakes. If you have any concerns at all, you should have the car examined by a professional.
How Driving Through a Flood Damages Your Car?
What happens when you drive your car through a flood? How can it damage your car? Driving through a flood can cause severe and irreparable damage to your car. It should be avoided at all times, if possible. Let's take a look at the key issues you may encounter if you drive your vehicle through a shallow body of water.
1: Engine Damage
One of the biggest problems you can experience if you drive through a flood is engine damage. This is why you should avoid the area if at all possible. If water gets into the engine pistons, you have a serious problem. Hydrolock occurs when water ingress prevents the pistons from moving. They can't compress water in the same way as they compress air and fuel. This often leads to irreparable damage and engine loss. Very bad news
2: Electrical Damage
Another top concern is electrical damage. Modern cars run like computers. They use a myriad of electrical cables, fuses, and electrical components. Submerging any one of these in water can result in serious damage. Alternators, starter motors, sensors, and ECUs can all be damaged while driving through floods.
3: Brake System Damage
As mentioned above, driving through water can negatively impact brake performance. Water reduces the friction between the brake pads and the wheels. This makes it much harder to bring the vehicle to a stop. To keep your brakes working effectively and safely, you must keep them dry.
RELATED
4: Exhaust System Damage
When you drive a car through a flood, water can enter the exhaust system. Especially if you enter the water at speed and cause significant water displacement. If water makes its way into the exhaust you can expect the engine to stall.
This can result in the car conking out in the middle of the flood. Water ingress also leads to rust, corrosion, and a reduced lifespan of the exhaust system including the manifold, downpipe, catalytic converter, and particulate filter.
5: Transmission Damage
The transmission system is the assembly that transfers power from the engine to the wheels in your car. And, transmission damage is another serious risk when driving through a flood. If water makes its way into the assembly it can contaminate the transmission fluid. This can result in gear slippage and eventually transmission failure.
6: Fuel System Damage
Not as common as the issues above, but a potential risk all the same is fuel system damage. When a car is placed in shallow water you run the risk of water ingress into the fuel system. If water makes its way into the fuel system it can cause serious issues including engine stalling and misfires.
READ NEXT
