How To Drive Safely Through a Flooded Road
Rain in the UK is not a surprise, but sometimes the amount of rain we receive can make things difficult. After a deluge of water or a long period of rain the water level can rise on a road.
The depth of the flooded road can be difficult to assess from the drivers seat, and if you do decide to drive through it is important to use the correct techniques to avoid your vehicle becoming flooded and leaving you stranded in the middle of the water.
When assessing the depth of the flooded road try and use roadside markers like kerbstones, or sign poles to help you gauge its depth. If however, you are at all unsure about how deep the water is then it is best to wait for another driver to attempt to pass through it first. The consequences of a flooded car can be very expensive to repair so it is far better to wait and see how high the water comes up on another vehicle, than take the risk with your own car.
Even when the rain on the road is a couple of centimetres caution still needs to be made in reducing your speed. If you go the speed limit you could still be entering a scenario in which the tyres are unable to grip the surface. A hydroplane could result in which you skid over the water and it could cause a loss of control.
Water can damage your engine if it reaches the cylinders or air intake. The expense of repairing such damage may be more than you can afford. When rainwater reaches the engine it will stop and not restart. Various vehicles have different heights for the air intake, meaning that you should be aware of where your intake is. Any time the water is up to the headlamps in your car you should not proceed, as a general rule of thumb.
When you establish that the rainwater is not too deep to pass you will want to remain in first gear. You will need to rev the engine, but remain at low speed. In a manual vehicle you can keep depressing the clutch to help rev the engine. In an automatic apply the throttle.
Any time you attempt to go through the rainwater you should head for the shallowest looking spot. You will want to be careful of other drivers who may travel faster, as they could cause a splash and hinder your crossing.
Your brakes will become wet when you move through the water. It is a good idea to stop after you get across the flooded road and let the brakes dry. You can also apply your brakes to help them drive.
Driving through a heavily flooded road requires considerable caution and adequate preparation, however if you are at all unsure about your chances of crossing through successfully, then it is best to turn around and find an alternative route. - 21396
The depth of the flooded road can be difficult to assess from the drivers seat, and if you do decide to drive through it is important to use the correct techniques to avoid your vehicle becoming flooded and leaving you stranded in the middle of the water.
When assessing the depth of the flooded road try and use roadside markers like kerbstones, or sign poles to help you gauge its depth. If however, you are at all unsure about how deep the water is then it is best to wait for another driver to attempt to pass through it first. The consequences of a flooded car can be very expensive to repair so it is far better to wait and see how high the water comes up on another vehicle, than take the risk with your own car.
Even when the rain on the road is a couple of centimetres caution still needs to be made in reducing your speed. If you go the speed limit you could still be entering a scenario in which the tyres are unable to grip the surface. A hydroplane could result in which you skid over the water and it could cause a loss of control.
Water can damage your engine if it reaches the cylinders or air intake. The expense of repairing such damage may be more than you can afford. When rainwater reaches the engine it will stop and not restart. Various vehicles have different heights for the air intake, meaning that you should be aware of where your intake is. Any time the water is up to the headlamps in your car you should not proceed, as a general rule of thumb.
When you establish that the rainwater is not too deep to pass you will want to remain in first gear. You will need to rev the engine, but remain at low speed. In a manual vehicle you can keep depressing the clutch to help rev the engine. In an automatic apply the throttle.
Any time you attempt to go through the rainwater you should head for the shallowest looking spot. You will want to be careful of other drivers who may travel faster, as they could cause a splash and hinder your crossing.
Your brakes will become wet when you move through the water. It is a good idea to stop after you get across the flooded road and let the brakes dry. You can also apply your brakes to help them drive.
Driving through a heavily flooded road requires considerable caution and adequate preparation, however if you are at all unsure about your chances of crossing through successfully, then it is best to turn around and find an alternative route. - 21396
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Alongside flooded roads, heavy rain can present some very challenging driving conditions due to the reduced visibility, so it is essential that your Car Lights are in top condition. To further increase your visibility it is worth considering installing easy to fit Xenon Headlight Bulbs, which will be brighter than ordinary headlight bulbs.
posted by X - Men @ 1:06 AM
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