Driving Cautiously on High Water Level Roads
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 level of water on a road can be hard to analyse in the drivers chair. If you come upon a flooded road it is essential to know tactics to make your passage safe through the water. You do not want to become stuck in the middle of the road due to the flooding.
To figure out the level of water there are some options like roadside markers, kerbs, or even signs which can help you. You can also allow someone else to drive through the water before you attempt to. This gives you a better idea of whether the water is too high. It also saves you from repairs needed from water damage to your vehicle if the level is high. The repairs can be expensive, so it is best to allow someone else to take the risk.
If the level of surface water is only a few centimetres deep it is still important to reduce your speed before driving through the water. If you attempt to drive through at speed the wheels can easily lose contact with the road surface and aquaplane, meaning that your vehicle is more likely to skid whilst steering control will be reduced.
Crossing through deep water has the potential to cause considerable damage to your car’s engine, especially if water enters the air intake and goes on into the cylinders. If this happens, the engine will normally stop instantly and not restart, and you will be left with a very expensive repair bill. Its important to note that the height of the air intake can vary from car to car, although a good guide is not to cross through water that is deeper than the level of your car lights.
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.
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