Tips For Driving Through A Flood Or Standing Water

The power of flood water

Flood water is not a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of if the water is moving or standing, driving your vehicle through any body of water, large or small, can have serious repercussions.

• Six inches: Six inches is enough water to cause vehicle traction issues, including sliding and hydroplaning.
• 12 inches: 12 inches is enough water to flood most cars — although this does vary depending on vehicle size and model. When your car is flooded, it means your engine has been compromised and your vehicle will most likely stall. If your vehicle stalls, turning around is no longer an option and you could potentially get carried downstream by rushing water and currents.
• Two feet: Two feet of flood water is enough to sweep away most vehicles — including large SUVs, vans and trucks. If water is standing, vehicles without significantly raised beds will most certainly flood and stall in this deep of water, as well.

What to do if you encounter a flood or standing water

There are many risks associated with driving through fast-moving flood water, and avoidance by turning around is the number one safety measure you can take as a driver.

If you encounter flood water, we always suggest turning around.

However, we also recognize that there are times when you have no choice but to traverse through rough weather, including flood or standing water. Flooding can happen any time thanks to rain, blocked drains, burst water mains, tides and burst river banks, so it is important to be prepared for navigating such terrain in order to keep yourself, passengers and your vehicle safe.

Here are a few safety tips to consider when driving through a flood or standing water:

• As mentioned above, try to avoid driving through water if you can by finding an alternative route.
• Don’t drive into flood water that’s moving or rises above the center of your wheels.
• Drive in the center of the road (the highest point), paying close attention to oncoming vehicles and other cars/pedestrians on the road.
• Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric current passes through water easily.
• Drive slowly and steadily through the water to avoid flooding your engine. Enter the water at 1–2 mph, then accelerate up to 3–4 mph.
• After emerging from the water, let your brakes dry by using them gently in a safe area on the road.
• If your car stalls and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.

Things to check after driving through water

If you are forced to navigate through a flood or standing water, you’ll need to do a thorough check of your vehicle immediately after.

Here are a few things to review:

1.Check your brakes: Usually brakes tend to slip more and lose their grip after getting soaked in water. Before you begin driving again, tap on the brake pedal a few times — this will allow the contact between the pads and rotors/drums to return to its normal, dry state for optimal bite.

2. Observe your engine: Observe if idling has become jittery or if there’s been a sudden loss of power. When such abnormal characteristics occur, park in a safe, dry area and do the following:

• Check your oil dipstick — if your oil appears to be milky, it is a clear sign that water has found its way into your engine.
• Inspect your air filter — if your air filter is wet, it may mean that water has entered through your vehicle’s air intake.
• If you are concerned about any of the above issues with your vehicle, it would be wise to get your vehicle towed and brought to a professional shop or dealership for proper diagnosis, oil replacement and possible repairs.

3. Check the electrical: Most modern cars’ electrical connectors are more water resistant, but it’s not an absolute guarantee that moisture will not enter and cause issues like shorting. Inspect fuses in the fuse box to ensure everything is intact. If you notice a fuse is busted, locate the specific part by referencing the legend usually found on the fuse box cover or your glovebox. Provided your fuses are okay, check all your external lights, as well.

4. Inspect your carpeting: Sometimes floodwater may enter via your car’s undercarriage through compromised seals. Remove your mats and feel if the carpet and padding beneath are soaked.