How to navigate the floods (or turn your car into a boat)
2 minute read | November 22, 2016
As flood warnings light up the nation and people practice their backstroke we answer that age old question.
‘Can I drive my car through that puddle?’
The short answer is no.
The long answer is no, you can’t drive your car through that unusually large puddle that has swallowed a yorkshire terrier, two chihuahuas and four garden gnomes.
With that in mind, we know you’re going to attempt it anyway so we’ve put together this guide to navigating flood water on the roads.
Take it slow
You probably heard this a lot during your first relationship, but take it slow. Driving fast through floodwater is likely to drown your engine and leave you stranded like a scene from the movie Hard Rain. You’re not Christian Slater in the ‘90s or Morgan Freeman during any period of time so it’s likely you won’t save the day. Keep the vehicle in first gear and crawl through the water keeping the engine revs up to avoid water entering the exhaust pipe.
Size matters
For those that carry a measuring device, it’s best to avoid standing water deeper than six inches and flowing water deeper than four inches. For our male readers who struggle to correctly identify inches, six inches is half a foot long from Subway.
Take a bow, son
By entering the water at one or two mph and then increasing the speed to three or four mph once you are in the water you will create a bow at the front of the vehicle pushing water away from the engine bay. Be careful, however, as older beam-axled 4x4s aren’t able to do this due to the water hitting the axle beam and squirting into the engine bay.
Become a voyeur
If in doubt why not park up near the offending water and wait for another driver to attempt it. If they’re successful you have peace of mind, if they aren’t you can do your best Baywatch impression and save them.
Either way, your car is safe and you’ve just saved yourself a hefty repair bill.
Dry your brakes
It’s unlikely you’ll be carrying a giant hairdryer on your journey and if you are your chances of finding a free plug are seriously low. Instead, once you are free of the water try using your brakes gently to dislodge any excess water or leaves.
Remember, there are idiots everywhere
While you may be doing everything to the letter there are always idiots who will drive through the water at full speed, effectively ruining all your good work. Before you attempt the puddle, have a look around for any potential geniuses. The added wait will be worth it when they flood their engine and need to wait for a rescue service. Smile and wave boys, smile and wave.
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