Flood Driving Safety Tips On Indian Roads

Summer is an ideal time for car travelling but also a season of flood and heavy rain. Driving a car out under a heavy thunderstorm and flood could danger the drivers as well as the passengers. In most cases, the car drivers are recommended not to drive their car out due to the engine failure hazard. However, there are still some situations that the drivers can not avoid. Therefore, going through the guides below can be extremely useful when you happen to be in the flood emergency cases. 

Driving in the flood is really dangerous

1. What most car drivers often assume and the fact

There is an assumption among the drivers when driving their car through the flood that everything could be fine as long as the car tyres are in the good shape and the traction is good enough. Unfortunately, even though with some "off-road beast" like Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour packed with the capability of getting through the severe flood, the dangers still exist. As a result, the drivers should always keep in mind some essential tips to handle these unexpected situations.

2. How can people drive safely through a flood?

2.1. Decide how deep the flood ahead is

The car drivers should pull over beforehand to decide how deep the flood ahead is. This is considered as a preparation step for the driver before approaching the high-level water. If the flood level is higher than the bottom edge of the car door, the flood water may get into the car engine compartment. The drivers also try not to drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 10cm (4 inches) deep. 

The driver should decide how deep the flood ahead is

2.2. Drive slowly

It is recommended that the car drivers should make use of the 1st gear in order to keep the car at a low-speed level. The reason is driving at a high speed may create a bow wave which often causes severe damages to the cars. It may be better for the car drivers to put the oncoming traffic into the higher priority to pass. 

Driving slowly is necessary

2.3. Consider driving the cars in the middle of the road

It could be explained by the fact that the flood is usually shallowest in the middle of the road. It is often known as the crown of the road.

If the car drivers happen to approach the flood water that is moving fast - probably when they approach a flooded bridge, they must not drive fast. Otherwise, they are running the risk of getting the car washed away with them inside.

Standing water is relatively dangerous as well. First of all, if people drive through it at high speeds, tyres aquaplane and steering control loss will take place. If possible, the car drivers had better avoid driving their car through the standing water. But if aquaplaning does take place, the car drivers are recommended to take a light hold of their steering wheel and to lift the throttle off until the tyres manage to regain grip.

Another drawback that may happen due to driving considerably fast through standing water is that a car may come to a complete stalling. Even if the engine sucks only a little amount of water, the risk of the engine failure still can happen. Those who drive a turbocharged petrol car or a car with a diesel engine should even be more careful since they are often the most vulnerable targets to stall.

You should drive at the middle of the street

2.4. Keep on revving to get the car engine running strong

You can do this by slipping the car clutch. Thereby, you may prevent water from entering the car exhaust as well as prevent the car engine from stalling.

What if the engine stalls?

Well, obviously, the car drivers will have to get someone to tow them out. Yet, if they are not sure enough how deep the flood might be, or if it is moving, they had better stay in their car until rescue arrives. In the meantime, the car drivers need to make sure that their car bonnet stays closed instead of propped open. Otherwise, chances are they will run into a hard time trying to start their car engine because of the rain-soaked electrics.

You should slip the car clutch

According to Ford Motor Company, this is how to drive in the heavy rain:

>>> Watch more

How to Drive in Heavy Rain | Extreme Weather Driving Tips

3. What to do after getting through the flood?

• Look for any possible scratch, crack, bump or something hanging off their car

• Inspect the interior

The car owners need to check whether there are any damp patches on the carpets, upholstery and the door panels.

• Check the condition of the transmission fluid and the engine oil

If the transmission fluid seems diluted, beige or milky, there is water in it. Therefore, do not drive the car but tow it instead for repair.

• Check the air filter

If the car owners think that the air filter is damp, they need to replace it and then change the oil.

• Clean mud, dirt, grass or debris underneath

Such things can cause undercarriage damage and they need to be washed in no time at all.

• Check the braking system

It is highly recommended to check the braking system whether anything goes wrong. The car owners can get it checked by the professionals as well.

• Check the indicators and lights

Indicators and lights are often vulnerable to water damage and rust. The car owners should consider replacing the bulbs if necessary. 

• Test run their car

If there is any sound that sounds not quite familiar, you need to check it out very soon. Of course, professional services are always available.

Read more guides from IndianAuto

Also Read: How to Drive Safely In The Rain On Indian Roads (Safety Driving Tips)