7 essential notes when driving through flooded areas

(Baonghean.vn) - When driving through flooded areas, the possibility of the car stalling and causing damage is very high. Therefore, drivers need to know useful tips to protect their "beloved car" during the rainy season.

1.Watch the front tires

Things to keep in mind when driving through flooded roads

Observe the vehicles in front, if the water level is not more than half the tire, then proceed. Because if the water level rises more than half the tire, the possibility of water overflowing into the cabin and overflowing the electrical system under the car is very high.

When the floor of the car is flooded, the car is at risk of electrical short circuit leading to damage to the internal electrical system affecting the equipment on the car.

2.Water level calculation

Things to keep in mind when driving through flooded roads

For sedans (low-chassis cars with 4-5 seats), the average safe depth is 25cm, the water level does not exceed the center of the wheel and drivers can drive through easily. For high-chassis cars, the average depth is 35cm.

If traffic conditions permit, it is advisable to drive in the middle of the road as this is always the highest point on the road surface, which will help reduce water levels and reduce the risk of damage to vehicles.

3. Shift into low gear and keep the engine speed high

Things to keep in mind when driving through flooded roads

When encountering obstacles, potholes, etc. that cannot be observed with the naked eye, driving in low gear will easily overcome them; it is necessary to press the accelerator pedal steadily or increase the throttle slightly when passing through a section of road where the water level is above the exhaust pipe, because then the exhaust gas will create a large thrust to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe; if you cannot go fast, you can keep your foot on the brake but still press the accelerator pedal.

With manual transmission vehicles, you should shift into 1st gear and not press the clutch pedal to avoid the vehicle stalling mid-way. As for automatic transmission vehicles with gears D1, D2… you need to switch to semi-automatic mode and shift into D1.

4. Keep your distance

Always keep your distance from other vehicles and stay away from heavy vehicles, because when other vehicles move, they will create large waves of water that will overflow over the hood of your car, possibly causing water to flow into the air intake and straight into the engine, causing "hydro-lock".

5. Turn off some devices and entertainment systems.

Things to keep in mind when driving through flooded roads

When driving through flooded areas, you should turn off some unnecessary devices such as air conditioners and entertainment systems to avoid short circuits and fires in the event of water flooding in. In addition, the condenser fan, when operating and flooded with water, may be bent and hit the condenser.

6. Do not open the door immediately

In deep flooded areas, do not open the door immediately when the car stalls, but pay attention to the water level. If the water is higher than the lowest part of the door, absolutely do not open the door, because it will cause water from outside to flood in and damage the electronic systems.

In this case, if necessary, open the window to get in and out of the car.

7.Brake Drain

Things to keep in mind when driving through flooded roads

After driving through a flooded road, you should apply the brakes to let the water out of the brake discs to avoid locking up the brakes. If you leave the car overnight, pump the brakes a few times to let the water out, then accelerate when you feel the brakes working.

Need to clean trash, leaves in the radiator because moving in flooded roads contains a lot of trash. Finally, we check the engine and undercarriage to make sure the car is clear and can operate normally.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)