Tips for driving safely through flooded areas

1. Look at the front tires.Observe the vehicles in front, if the water level is not more than half the tire then proceed to pass. 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, there is a risk of electrical short circuit leading to damage to the internal electrical system affecting the equipment on the car.

2.Calculate water level.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 center 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. Turn off the air conditioner and roll down the car windows.Running the air conditioner while driving through flooded areas can kill the engine because the fan can suck water into the engine. If the engine does not die, the electric fan can pick up floating debris and break the fan blades, causing the engine to overheat.

4. Enter the water at a maximum speed of 3km/h, then increase to 6km/h when in the water.This will create a wave in front of the car and the water level around the engine compartment will be lower, reducing the risk of water entering through the air filter and damaging electrical and electronic components. Higher speeds than this will cause water to be forced into the engine compartment through the front grille.

5. 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 "hydrostatic" phenomenon.

6. Out of the water, apply the brakes gently to dry them:You can continue to hold the brake with your left foot for a while if you are comfortable with this skill. Release the brake when you feel it start to “grip”.Also, stop and check to make sure there are no plastic bags or other debris caught in the radiator grille or the radiator fins inside.