How to Drive through a Flood Safely (+ Check for Damage After)

UK drivers are facing particularly high levels of rainfall, with many areas being at risk of (or having already faced) flooding on the roads.

Flooding poses an extremely hazardous driving condition, which drivers must navigate with care. Not only is it a risk to their personal safety, but flooding, heavy rain and general bad weather are also common causes of vehicle damage.

So, as we face a season of bad weather spells, we have used this article to highlight the dangers and possible issues you may face when you drive through flood water.

Below, you can find out more about the dangers of driving through flood water, the problems you may face if the water is too deep, and how to check your vehicle for water damage.

What are the dangers of driving through flood water?

Heavy rain and flooding can cause particularly dangerous driving conditions.

The main dangers of driving through flood water include:

– Your brakes becoming less efficient, or even failing altogether
– Losing control of your vehicle
– Your vehicle stalling
– Damaging your vehicle and its engine (we’ll cover this in more detail below)
– Not noticing hidden hazards (e.g. potholes or road debris)

If the weather is set to turn, but you cannot avoid travelling, then there are ways that you can drive through these conditions in a safe way (which also minimises the risk of costly vehicle damage).

The safest way to drive through flood water is to:

– See if you can gauge the depth of the water (we would not recommend attempting to drive through in a car, if the water is more than 6 inches deep)
– Position your car to the centre of the road
– Drive through the water slowly, at no more than 5 mph (this will help to minimise the risk of water moving in a wave, and thereby reaching your engine or exhaust)
– Use a low gear, and keep the engine revs high
– Keep moving, and try not to stop
– Once you have left the flooded area, test your brakes (as soon as it is safe to do so), to check they are working as they should

You should not attempt to drive through flood water if the water is fast moving, at night, or if the depth of the water is greater than 6 inches (or 12 inches if you’re driving in a truck or SUV).

What could happen if you drive through deep water?

If the water is too deep, you may face some major risks, in terms of both driving ability and damage to your vehicle.

The key risks to be aware of include:

– Hydroplaning and losing vehicle control
– Water entering the exhaust system. This can cause hydrolock, and permanently damage your vehicle (leading to costly repairs)
– Water flooding the engine
– Brake failure
– Tyre punctures (if debris and hazards are hidden by the water)

What are the signs of damage after driving through a flood?

If you have had to drive through flood water, then you should check your vehicle as soon as you can.

You will need to check that it has not been damaged, and that it is safe to continue driving.

You can check your vehicle for water damage by inspecting:

The brakes

Apply pressure gently to the brakes, while you are driving slowly. Test to see that they are still working as normal. If they are weaker than usual, then it may be that they are waterlogged. If this is the case, apply the brakes a few more times, and see if performance improves.

The exhaust

For any signs of water entry, strange noises, or a high volume of smoke.

The engine

If the engine has stalled (or the vehicle is displaying warning lights) then this is a clear sign of water damage.

Tyres

Look over the tyres for any signs of punctures.

If you notice any of these issues, then we recommend getting your vehicle inspected by a mechanic. They will be able to advise you on the extent of the damage, and recommend the best next steps to take.

At Watling Tyres, we are an independent tyre dealer and autocentre with 14 branches across Kent, specialising in tyre fittings and comprehensive vehicle servicing.

So, if you have any further questions about car flood damage, or want to enlist our skilled team to conduct a damage inspection of your vehicle, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

_{Image from an article on the BBC*}