HOW TO HANDLE DRIVING A CAR THROUGH FLOODED ROADS DUE TO HEAVY RAIN

1. Avoid Deep Water Areas

Potholes, manholes, and sewer covers on urban streets can become hidden "traps" for drivers when flooded. Therefore, when driving on a flooded road, the first thing to remember is to drive in the middle of the road. This will help your car avoid deeper water areas. On streets with solid medians, it is advisable to drive close to the median, as these are usually higher points on the road.

2. Drive in a Low Gear and Maintain Steady Acceleration

Driving in a low gear makes it easier to overcome obstacles that you may not see. Always maintain steady acceleration or increase the throttle when driving through water that reaches the exhaust pipe, as the exhaust gases create a significant push to prevent water from entering the exhaust. If you cannot drive quickly, you can keep your foot on the brake while still pressing the gas pedal.

One important note in this situation is to never reduce the throttle when the water level is above the exhaust pipe, as reducing the throttle will decrease the push from the exhaust gases, making it easier for water to enter the exhaust.

3. Always Maintain a Safe Speed

When driving in the rain, avoid speeding and maintain a safe speed. Limited visibility makes it challenging to handle unexpected situations.

4. Avoid Driving Against Oncoming Traffic

When driving through deeply flooded areas, it is crucial to observe carefully and avoid driving against oncoming traffic. At this time, two cars traveling in opposite directions can create waves that splash onto the hood, risking water entering the air intake or engine bay, which can wet the spark plugs and cause the engine to stall.

5. Observe the Vehicles Ahead and Avoid Heavy Trucks

To minimize the risk of engine stalling when navigating flooded roads, the best practice is to observe the vehicles ahead, allowing you to avoid potholes and road hazards. Additionally, do not drive close to heavy trucks, as their unexpected large waves can flood your intake or exhaust pipes, causing the engine to stall.

6. Stop if the rain is too heavy

Heavy rain severely limits visibility, and windshield wipers may not function effectively. Therefore, it's safer to stop the car, wait for the rain to lighten up, and then continue driving. Note that if possible, find a place to park away from large trees, drainage openings, and big advertising signs.

7. If the water is halfway up the tires, you should stop and wait for the water to recede.

For vehicles that are not designed for off-roading or have low ground clearance, when the water reaches halfway up the tires — meaning it's at the limit and should not be crossed — it's safest to choose an alternative route. Only attempt to cross if you are sure the water level has not reached the air intake.

8. Handling Engine Stalling When Driving Through Flooded Areas

If your car stalls while driving through a flooded area, never attempt to restart the engine. Restarting the engine will make the car hydrolock, potentially bending or breaking connecting rods, especially the possibility of damaging the engine block. In this situation, wait for the water to recede and call for assistance from a rescue team.

9. Check engine oil, differential oil, clutch oil, and brake oil

Even after successfully navigating through deep flooded roads, it's essential to check the engine oil, differential oil, clutch oil, and brake oil for any signs of water contamination. You can visually inspect them, and if you notice any unusual coloration, it's advisable to replace the oil. When water mixes with oil, it reduces lubrication effectiveness (engine oil, differential oil) and transmission power (brake oil, clutch), affecting the longevity and performance of these systems.

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