Want to drive through floodwater? Here are the do’s and don’ts

The Northeast Monsoon, or the monsoon season, reared its ugly head last November and is expected to continue until March 2025.

During this period, numerous regions have been affected by flooding due to incessant heavy rainfall lasting several days. Naturally, we advise against driving in these areas. However, if you must do so for unavoidable reasons, here are some useful tips to consider:

Assess the depth of floodwaters

The first thing you should do before attempting to drive through floodwaters is to assess their depth. Look for various indicators to gauge the level of flooding. For instance, ensure that the water does not exceed the midpoint of your vehicle’s tyres.

Additionally, observe the waterline on nearby objects, such as trees, walls, or road dividers. Keep in mind that vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs can navigate deeper waters than sedans or hatchbacks.

Turn off the air-conditioning system

Before you enter the water, ensure that your vehicle’s air conditioning system is switched off. This is crucial, as the fan can potentially draw water into the engine through the intake, which may cause severe engine damage.

Moreover, turning off the air conditioning will give your engine a bit of extra power to help you navigate through the floodwaters more smoothly.

Avoid accelerating excessively

Some may think that driving faster is a better way to quickly traverse flooded areas. This is a misconception. The safest approach is to enter the water slowly, as this minimises splashing and reduces the risk of water entering the vehicle.

Also, ensure that you wait until the vehicle in front of you has completely cleared the floodwaters before proceeding. Once you emerge from the water, gently pump the brakes several times over a short distance to dry the brake discs.

Do not attempt to restart the engine if it stalls

It’s important to remember that there is a constant risk of your vehicle’s engine stalling while navigating floodwaters. If this occurs, do not attempt to restart the engine, as doing so may cause further damage.

Instead, exit the vehicle as quickly as possible and move to a safe area. Contact your insurance provider for towing services and wait for help to arrive.