Car Stuck in the Floods? Here’s What You Can Do

The flood-affected area in Houston. Mumbai was no better. 

(Photo: Reuters)

It is painful to see the number of drivers stranded on the flooded streets of Mumbai. With water levels rising, the risk of getting stuck in your car during the flood increases. In 2005, when Mumbai faced unprecedented flooding, some people even died in their cars due to asphyxiation.

The best advice: Don’t drive your car if the roads are waterlogged.

However, if you must venture out, or find yourself on a waterlogged road with water levels rising, here are some tips that could keep you and your car safe.

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Also read: Tips to Keep Your Car or Bike Safe in Monsoon

How Deep Is It?

Always gauge the depth of water before wading into a waterlogged road.(Photo: PTI)

Most cars have a maximum wading depth. For hatchbacks and sedans, this is usually about 180 mm to 200 mm. Venturing through water that is any deeper could mean asking for trouble. For most SUVs, the wading depth range is from 300 mm to 600 mm. Custom-built SUVs, with lift kits (raised suspension) and snorkels, can handle even deeper water.

Since you can’t get out and measure the depth, look for visual clues. If the height of the water is above the centre of your wheel hub in a hatchback or sedan, avoid driving any further.

Already Waded into Water, Now What?

SUVs tend to fare better on waterlogged roads because of higher ground clearance and diesel engines. (Photo courtesy: Twitter/Mumbai Bol)

If you’ve already driven into a flooded street and the water level is rising, try to keep moving. Don’t let the engine die out.

Open your windows, keep the engine revving (press the clutch halfway if you have to) and move forward slowly. Diesel vehicles are generally better at handling flooded roads than petrol vehicles, as they don’t depend on spark ignition – water can cause a short circuit and prevent spark plugs from firing.

If your exhaust is underwater, the revving engine will help keep water out of the tailpipe. Just make sure the water level does not reach above your bumper or grille, as the air intake is usually situated just behind the grille.

If water enters the air intake, it will damage the engine badly – resulting in hydrolock damage (this is very expensive damage). Hydrolock can bend your engine valves, damage the pistons, and bend connecting rods, requiring a complete engine overhaul.

Should You Abandon Your Car?

If the water level is above your wheels, try not to drive through the street. (Photo: istockphoto)

Depending on the gravity of the situation, abandoning a car may sometimes be a lifesaver. Insurance will cover your losses with the car, but your life is more precious. However, don’t abandon your car at the slightest hint of trouble.

If the water level seems stable and you can stay in your car waiting for help, it may be a sane thing to do. However, do not keep the car running (if stuck in traffic for instance) with the windows closed for a very long time. If the tail pipe is submerged, the back pressure can result in carbon-monoxide buildup inside the car.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. In 2005, this was a reason for some of the deaths of people stuck in cars on flooded streets.

However, if the water level continues to rise and your car has already stalled, do not attempt to restart it. Let it be. It is easier to clean out a non-running car than one that has sucked in water because of an attempted start. Before the water gets beyond half of your car door level, get out or the pressure from the water would make it near impossible to open the door.

Can You Fix a Waterlogged Car?

If the car is waterlogged do not attempt to start it. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Varun Upadhyay)

If your car is stuck in flooded waters, it is going to take a while to fix – it has to dry out, quite literally. Tow it to your mechanic, do not attempt to start it at all, even if it seems dry.

Drain the engine oil, change the oil filter and replace the oil. Clean out the engine bay of all debris, especially in the radiator. Open the spark plugs (in a petrol vehicle) and replace them. Dry the cylinders and pistons with the plugs removed. Lubricate everything. Drain and replace the fuel.

Check all the wiring to see if its dry. Use compressed air to blow dry fuse boxes. Check the battery with a multimeter. It may need to be replaced.

Sun-dry the interiors of the car. It may need new carpets and seat covers. Everything will have to be thoroughly cleaned. This is where relatively inexpensive cars win. They have fewer electrical parts, and hence, easier to fix. Luxury cars have complex electronics and will be pretty expensive to fix.

Make sure your comprehensive insurance on the car is up to date – you will need it.

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