Rains forcing you to ride through waterlogged areas? Here’s how to safely traverse flooded roads and minimise damage to your vehicles

Bengaluru has been suffering from a pretty nasty streak of flooding every time the rains come rolling around, leaving residents struggling with power outages, flooded streets, and impassable roads. With this scenario in mind, let’s dive into how you can protect your vehicle during such conditions and how to care for it afterward. Driving through waterlogged roads can be intimidating, but with the right precautions, you can minimise damage to your vehicle.

1. Assess the Water Depth

Before attempting to cross a flooded road, take a moment to gauge how deep the water is. This isn’t just about looking at how far the water reaches on your tires, but also how other cars are handling it. Water deeper than 6 inches (about ankle height) can pose significant risks. For moving water, the danger is even greater. In fact, as little as 4 inches of fast-flowing water can sweep away a vehicle, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Be cautious — if you're uncertain about the depth, turn around and take a different route.

2. Enter the Water Slowly and Steadily

If there’s no way around the flooded street, approach it slowly. When you enter too fast, your car may aquaplane, which is when the tires lose contact with the road, making it easy to lose control. Aim for a slow and steady speed. as this allows your tires to maintain traction while reducing the chances of creating waves that could send water into the engine. Once in, keep your car moving at a steady pace without stopping.

3. Keep Your Engine Revved Up

One of the major risks when driving through water is engine damage. If water enters the exhaust pipe, it can cause the engine to seize, potentially leading to a costly repair. To avoid this, keep your engine’s revs high as you navigate through the water. In manual cars, slipping the clutch slightly while staying in a low gear helps maintain higher revs without speeding up too much. For automatic cars, switching to the lowest possible gear before entering the water is a smart move.

4. Beware of Large Vehicles

If you’re driving near trucks or buses, be mindful of the large waves they create as they plow through floodwaters. These waves can wash over your car, increasing the likelihood of water entering your engine bay or cabin. It’s best to wait for larger vehicles to clear the flooded area before attempting to drive through yourself. Keeping a safe distance ensures you’re not caught in their wake.

5. Know What to Do if You Stall

If your vehicle stalls while driving through water, the immediate response is crucial. Try to restart the car as quickly as possible because the longer the car remains stationary, the greater the chance of water entering critical parts like the exhaust system. However, if the water is too deep or you're unsure, it’s best to avoid restarting to prevent further damage. Instead, push the car to safety if possible, or call for help.

Flood-aftercare for your vehicle

Once you've navigated through the floodwaters, your car still requires attention to minimise long-term damage.

1. Dry Your Brakes

Driving through water can leave your brakes wet and less effective, increasing your stopping distance. To dry them out, gently tap the brake pedal once you’re back on dry land. This friction helps evaporate any water that may have settled on the brake discs, allowing them to return to full function. Testing the brakes in a safe spot ensures they’re responsive when needed.

2. Inspect the Air Filter

After driving through a flood, one of the first things to check is the air filter. If water has entered the air intake system, it can damage the engine. A soggy or dirty air filter should be replaced immediately to avoid contaminants entering the engine and causing performance issues later on.

3. Look for Signs of Water in the Engine

If you suspect that water has entered the engine, especially if your vehicle stalled, resist the urge to restart the car. Instead, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic. Starting the engine with water inside can lead to hydrolock, where water in the cylinders causes the engine to seize, potentially requiring a costly engine replacement.

4. Thoroughly Clean the Undercarriage

Floodwater is often filled with debris, dirt, and contaminants that can settle on your car’s undercarriage, leading to rust or corrosion over time. Once the water recedes, give your car a thorough wash, paying special attention to the underside. This will help prevent rust and other issues that could develop due to prolonged exposure to dirty water.

5. Monitor Electrical Components

Flooding can wreak havoc on your car’s electrical systems. After driving through water, test all your vehicle's electronics — lights, indicators, power windows, and infotainment system. Water intrusion can cause malfunctions or short circuits, so if you notice any irregularities, have them inspected by a professional to prevent further issues.
By staying cautious during floods and following these post-care steps, you can keep your vehicle in good shape and avoid the worst of water damage.