Driving in the rainy season seems like a picture-perfect scene from a movie until your car breaks down. The majority of car parts are not waterproof and are prone to malfunctioning when they come in contact with the water. Moreover, visibility is also reduced in rainy weather, risking drivers stranded on the roadside with a malfunctioning car. That said, following certain steps to cater to when your car turns off during rain is necessary.
For your convenience, here we have elaborated on what to do when your car stops in the rain.
Steps to Do When Your Car Breaks Down In the Rain
Firstly, avoid driving a car during the rainy season, as water can cause multiple damages to the car. Aside from the damages, it is one of the factors that reduce a car’s resale value. However, if you are in a situation where your car breaks down during rain, here is what you can do. Before we jump to the steps, here are some tips to prepare your car for the rainy season to avoid breakdowns.
Step 1: Decelerate Car
Rainwater makes the road slippery, causing difficulty in stopping the car immediately. Therefore, when the car starts to malfunction, try to decelerate it slowly. The most common symptoms of rainwater damage are spongy brakes and flicking of dashboard lights.
Step 2: Pull Over & Remain Visible
Once you have decelerated your car, pull it over slightly. If the car’s electronic functions are still working, seek assistance from the lane departure and blind spot detection system; if not, then rely on the side mirrors. First, use the car defogger to clear your vision, and then use the rearview and side mirror to check for the cars on the road. Now, switch on the turn signals and gradually pull over the car to the side.
It is also necessary to remain visible after pulling over, as road visibility is reduced during rainy weather. Turn on emergency lights to indicate other drivers on the road. In case the electronic system completely shuts off, use emergency reflectors. Place the reflector at least 100 to 500 feet away from the car to avoid accidents. Here is the complete car emergency kit checklist that you must adhere to when driving in rainy weather.
Step 3: Don’t Start the Engine
The car shuts off in heavy rain when water enters the engine and other major components like the car computer. An attempt to restart the engine allows rainwater to penetrate inside the engine, causing more damage. Water can damage car alternators and its mixing with engine oil leads to some major engine malfunctions. Therefore, it is recommended not to restart the engine once it shuts down during rain.
Step 4: Avoid Opening the Hood
Modern cars have advanced electronic systems and depend on the car computer for its functioning. Opening the car hood during the rainy season will expose all the electronics to water, leading to significant damage. Moreover, rainwater pouring directly can also damage battery and car sensors.
Step 5: Call for Help
Since it is nearly impossible for drivers to fix cars during a rainy season, it is recommended to call for help immediately. There are several roadside assistance companies in the UAE that can help you in emergencies. However, if you own an electric car it is suggested to opt for the specialised EV roadside assistance companies in the UAE.
If the rainwater starts to increase or the road feels flooded while waiting for help. It is better to evacuate the car and move to a safe place.
FAQs
What to do if your car stops in the rain and the electrical system fails?
Electrical system failure in cars is common during rain. It is recommended to safely pull aside and call for roadside assistance to tow the car to the nearest mechanic. Besides, you can also jump-start the car during rain if you have the necessary equipment.
Why does my car stop working when it rains?
Cars stop during rain generally due to the failure of the electrical system or when the water enters into the battery or engine components.
Why does my car have trouble starting after it rains?
The water during rain seeps under the hood, causing malfunctioning of different electrical components, especially the battery and alternator, making it difficult to start the car after rain.
This was all about what to do if your car stops in the rain. It is recommended not to drive during rainy weather or on a flooded road, as it can damage the car parts significantly. Moreover, repairing a flooded car can cost you a fortune. That said, if your car is flooded during the rainy season, it is recommended to switch to another vehicle rather than getting it repaired. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and buy a car that fits your budget.
Besides, here are some tips for driving in rainy weather that can help in reducing accident chances.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on flooded cars.
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