When Driving on Flooded Roads

by Ronel Forbes

December 3, 2021

Tips to Keep in Mind When Driving on Flooded Roads

Climate change has a polarizing effect these days. While people are looking forward to a reprieve from the heat of the summer, they are also concerned about the challenges that come with the next season.

For a few months, the rainfall necessitates a lifestyle adjustment, especially in cities. It’s not just about buying umbrellas; it’s also about thinking about maintaining basic hygiene, avoiding street food, and driving safely on flooded roads.

Rainfall-related flooding has been a common occurrence in major cities in recent years. It is no longer a once-in-a-decade occurrence. It happens virtually every year in locations like Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and other metros, unfortunately.

In such a situation, extreme caution must be exercised when driving across flooded roads. Continue reading to learn some helpful hints for driving your automobile safely on such roads.

Tips for Wading Through Flooded Roads:

Water Level Indicator

Keep an eye on the road’s water level. When the car’s tires are underwater, it becomes much more risky. Increased water levels can make driving more difficult and dangerous. If this is about to happen, consider taking a different path.

It may take longer to take the alternate route, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Composed Driving

Slow down and avoid shifting into higher gears. Keep shifting between first and second gear without letting go of the throttle. Maintain a steady RPM level.

The water will not be able to clog the exhaust pipe as a result of this.

Stay in the heart of the city

Flood water accumulates on the sides of the highways if you look attentively. This is because roadways are frequently built in this manner to route floodwater down the sewer.

However, when the drains overflow, the sides of the road become inundated as well. As a result, the water level in the center should be the lowest.

Furthermore, if a large vehicle passes quickly, the water can be displaced to the side of the road, and if your car is parked there, the water level can quickly rise. As a result, aim to keep your vehicle in the center lane.

Stay Away From Hydrostatic Lock

If the car’s engine becomes submerged and breaks down, do not attempt to start it. Allow it to be.

If you try to start your automobile when it is submerged in water, it is likely that you will experience hydrostatic lock. The engine of the car may be harmed as a result of this.

Towing the car to the nearest garage is necessary.

Don’t Panic

Maintain your composure. It isn’t the end of the world as we know it. Everyone is eager to get out of the flooded area and return home as quickly as possible.

It can only be accomplished by remaining patient and cooperative. Getting into fights, honking excessively, and so forth will not assist the cause.

It will aggravate the situation. Keep your cool and don’t freak out.

Examine, clean, and replace

As soon as possible, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic or service center. Fluids and other parts may need to be replaced if water leaked into the exhaust pipe or the engine. It is recommended that the entire vehicle, including the underbody, be washed.

This could save you thousands of pesos in the long run on significant repairs. Driving through flooded areas necessitates extra attention and thought.

Making the wrong decision could result in expensive repairs or a total loss. We hope that this rainy-day safety advice comes in handy.

Be Mindful of Electrical Systems

It’s a well-known fact that electricity and water don’t get along! That is why it is critical to stay off roadways where power lines have fallen, whether they be from the electrical, telephone, or cable companies. Additionally, unless it is an emergency, it is not suggested to use your phone while driving in the flood.

Bottom line

Floods are uncontrollable and unpredictable natural disasters, however there are occasions when you may have no alternative but to continue driving or to drive. When driving through floodwaters, the safest option is to make sure your vehicle is capable of handling the water level.

If you are familiar with the area, that is preferable, but if you are not, you must be cautious and watchful. And, of course, drive gently and steadily to avoid accidents and water getting into your vehicle’s engine.

Once you have successfully navigated the flooded road, you must ensure that your vehicle receives proper post-flood treatment in order to limit or avoid further damage.

MGS Insurance is a duly licensed insurance agency of the top insurance companies in the Philippines namely, Mapfre Insular, Malayan Insurance, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc.

We provide Motor Car Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Fire Insurance and Engineering Insurance.