- Precautions to Take Before the Flood
- Precautions to Take During the Flood
- Precautions to Take After the Flood
- FAQs
The global climate changes have significantly increased the instances of urban flooding across the globe. While modern cities, such as the UAE, are built to endure such disasters, heavy floods can still bring them to a halt. Cars stranded on the road, for instance, remain a common issue during floods. These vehicles are at a higher risk as flood water can cause extensive damage to the interior as well as the exterior of the car. Therefore, it is important to prevent water ingress to protect your car from flooding.
We have compiled a list of some effective tips and tricks to protect your car and prevent car flood damage.
Protect Your Car from Flooding: Tips and Tricks
Flood water entering the vehicle can cause multiple complications that can be difficult and expensive to fix. For instance, engine flooding, interior damage, corrosion, ABS malfunction and electrical system damage. These are some of the issues which can arise due to prolonged exposure to flood water contaminated with chemicals and debris. However, there are several ways to protect your car from flooding and avoid damage.
Precautions to Take Before the Flood
Some precautionary measures can be taken when a flood warning is issued to ensure the flood water doesn’t reach your car and cause extensive damage. It is advised to refrain from driving in the flood unless necessary to avoid car damage. Here are some of the tips to make sure your car is protected before the flood arrives.
Park Your Car on High Ground
Park your car smartly. As simple as it may sound, it is one of the most crucial and essential car flood protection tips for the rainy season. Be sure to park your car on higher ground or a designated flood-safe area where the risk of the car getting submerged is minimal. These high grounds can include multi-story parking in high-rise buildings, hills, elevated parking decks and elevated airport or mall parking with drainage.
These elevated spots prevent water from reaching your vehicle and damaging its components.
Disconnect Batteries
Disconnect the batteries of your car to prevent electrical damage. Once water enters the car battery, it can cause short circuits in the electrical system. Modern cars are equipped with multiple electrical components that can be damaged by water exposure. Disconnecting the batteries not only protects these sensitive components but also prevents corrosion in the electrical system.
Keep Everything Sealed
Protecting the interior is just as important as safeguarding the exterior of the car. Ensure all doors, windows, trunk and sunroof are sealed shut to prevent water ingress. This keeps the vehicle dry and reduces the possibility of mould growth. The engine is also vulnerable to water damage along with the electrical systems in the car. Prolonged contact with water can cause a hydrolocked engine and short circuits in these complex systems, which require expensive repairs.
Precautions to Take During the Flood
Once the flooding starts, protecting the vehicle gets harder by the minute. In case you get stuck in the middle of a flood, you must be equipped with the necessary information to drive your car safely through flood water to prevent extensive damage to the vehicle.
Here are some steps to take to avoid flood damage to your vehicle.
Cover the Car, Create a Barrier
If it is impossible to move your car to a higher ground promptly, park it in your garage and create a barrier using sandbags. The sandbags will act as a barricade against the flood water and divert its flow away from the garage. They will also absorb some of the water and reduce the overall amount which might reach the car.
You can also shield the vehicle with a car cover to prevent water from coming in contact with the car’s exterior. It also protects against debris and chemicals which are often carried with flood water.
Drive on High Ground
If you must drive through flood water and there are no alternative routes available, make sure to drive on the highest part of the road. In most cases, the highest part of the road is the middle. Roads are designed in this manner to allow water drainage from the sides. However, always keep a close eye on the road to ensure you avoid potholes where the water suddenly gets deeper.
Keep Revving
Do not worry about burning fuel while stuck in flood water and keep revving. This prevents water from getting pulled into the exhaust and protects the engine. While driving a manual, make sure to keep the car in first gear and accelerate.
Do not Crank the Vehicle
Once the car turns off while submerged in water, do not attempt to start the car. Attempting to start a flooded vehicle can result in severe damage to the engine and electrical systems of the car. If the water level keeps on increasing, you must escape the submerged car and rush to safety.
After the Flood Measures
The safety measures do not end even after the flood recedes. You must check your car parts after driving in flood conditions for signs of damage and their severity.
Here are some ways to avoid car damage after the flood.
Get the Brakes Dried up
Drying the car brakes after they have been through a flood is necessary to ensure proper function. Start by slowly driving in a safe dry area for a few minutes and applying the brakes occasionally to heat them. This will ensure the water gets evaporated and the brakes can work properly.
Replace Fluids and Air Filter
If the car was submerged in water, it is likely that the engine oil, transmission fuel, coolant and brake oil were also contaminated. It is advised to replace all vital car fluids before attempting to drive the car again to avoid any more internal damage.
Similarly, the air filter also needs to be replaced as it would have soaked up water. Failing to replace the filter may lead to issues with the combustion process.
Dry the Interiors
If the water makes it inside the car, it can lead to mould growth and an off-putting smell. It is important to dry the car completely before it is ready to drive again. Open up all 4 doors along with the trunk and bonnet of the car and put it in direct sunlight. The sunlight will do its job by drying up any puddles or other wet components of the vehicle.
Claim Insurance
Flood damage can lead to expensive repairs. However, if you have comprehensive car insurance, you can save a substantial amount as it also covers natural disasters. It is important to know what is not covered by your car insurance. Therefore, review the policy and upgrade your plan if necessary.
In case of damages incurred to the vehicle due to floods, claim your insurance. The insurance company will then verify the claim and reimburse the repair cost.
FAQs
How do you Keep Your Car Safe in a Flood?
Move your car to a high ground where flood water doesn’t come in contact with it. Disconnect batteries and make sure all the doors and windows are sealed shut. This prevents water from entering the car.
How do you Prevent Engine Flooding?
If you are already in flood waters, do not start the engine. Starting the car can draw water into the exhaust, which can cause significant damage to the engine.
Can Cars Float Away in a Flood?
Driving through the flood is a huge risk as cars can float away in as little as 1 ft of standing water. If you are stuck in a flood, it is advised to look for a spot with shallow water levels and park the car there.
This is all about how to protect your car in a flood. Take all the necessary precautionary measures discussed in this guide to ensure the vehicle’s protection and minimal damage even in terrible flooding conditions. A flood-damaged car may be functional but can still have some underlying issues. Here are some tips to avoid buying flood-damaged cars to help you with a smooth car-buying process.
If the water damages are beyond repair or require a hefty sum, it is preferable to change the vehicle. Browse through new cars for sale in the UAE and select the vehicle that best fits your needs.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s car blog to find solutions for car-related issues and more.
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