Rainy days are here to stay, with the possibility of flooding every day. Save yourself and your car from being the next flood victims with these few tips:
1. Avoid parking in the basement
Basement parking lots can be prone to flooding during heavy downpours. Your car may become partly submerged and the flood can cause heavy damage to your car, especially to the engine, electrical systems, and interior.
2. Avoid driving through tunnels
The risk of being caught in a flash flood is higher when driving into an underground tunnel as you are approaching lower ground that rain water is flowing to.
3. Don’t stop! Maintain a steady slow speed
If flood is half tire height or above, maintaining a steady slow speed and engaging a low gear helps to create a small bow wave which will avoid the surrounding water to flood the engine bay or flow into the exhaust pipe. You should always keep a safe distance from the car in front.
4. Don’t start the car immediately if your car has been submerged
Water would most likely have seeped into the engine, transmission, or fuel system of your car after being submerged. Don’t start the car as you’ll just compound the damage. Immediately seek for mechanic’s advice after the flood water has subsided.
5. Please do not use a hair dryer to dry the car battery!
Do not attempt to dry your battery with a hair dryer as you’re only drying the outer shell of the battery. Please seek assistance from a mechanic to test if the battery is still working well.
6. Check if your car has flood insurance
Did you know that car insurance providers offer flood insurance as an add-on, and this can save your pocket on a rainy day? If you don’t have it in your current plan, contact your insurance company and find out how you can add it on.
