Monday Maintenance Tip: Deep Water & Flooding

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In certain  seasons, it is inevitable that You may be encounter some flood water, either as large puddles on the road, or where a river/stream has burst its banks. If there is no way out except driving through, what can you do?

• On encountering deep water, get out and check the depth. Water which comes above the bottom edge of your door can cause problems with the engine. Water can get splashed up into the engine compartment, leading to stalling.
• If some cars have driven through the water, remember the path.
• Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and vehicles that may approach you from behind too fast.
• If you are driving in water, drive slowly and steady. Put your vehicle in 1st gear or 2nd gear and maintain a slow, steady speed. You should avoid braking and sudden acceleration.
• If you do stall in deep water, do not try starting engine again, or the water will come into engine through the tailpipe. Get someone to tow you out. If you are unsure of the depth of the water, or if it is moving water, stay in the vehicle and await rescue. Use your mobile phone to call for assistance.

What shall we do after fording the water?

• After driving through a flooded section of road or a ford across a river, test your brakes (whilst still driving slowly) and be prepared to drive them off by touching the brake pedal very lightly with your foot.
• Walk around your vehicle looking for any obvious scratches, bumps, cracks or things hanging off.
• Look underneath the vehicle for stuck-on dirt, mud, grass and bits of debris. If you spot any, wash it off as soon as possible to avoid it causing damage to the undercarriage.
• Check your electrics (lights, indicators, wipers) and if any have failed you must not continue.

If you find any problem, have them checked out as soon as possible.