Here are a few things you need to know while driving through a flooded road 04th August 2022
Monsoon is here, and it is the much-needed respite from the scorching heat of the summer months. A hot cup of tea and a bowl full of crispy fried fritters are a great accompaniment to the pouring rain. But as refreshing as the monsoon rains are, the hindrance it causes to people's daily lives is inevitable and frustrating.
Rain brings many issues: power outages, poor internet speeds, flooded roads, and delayed meetings. We will look at the few ways you can tackle flooded roads and how to drive through the heavy downpour safely.
1. Do not stop:
If you are in a flooded area, waiting for the rain to pass might not help. Chances are, the rains will get heavier, and the roads will be filled with more water. Under these circumstances, it is best to keep moving steadily. Do not accelerate quickly or halt suddenly. Water entering the crevices inside the car's chassis can affect the car's functionality. If water gets to the engine through the exhaust, you might have to change the engine altogether, which can be quite expensive.
2. Brakes and pumping:
Once you are out of the water-logged area, it is best to pump the brakes to eliminate any residual water that might have collected. Water or humidity in the brakes can affect the efficiency of braking.
3. Maintain a safe distance:
Being neck to neck with vehicles can be extremely dangerous when navigating through flooded roads. The vehicle moving ahead causes ripples that raise the water levels around your car. This can lead to the water entering the exhaust or the air intake.
Also, navigating through water-logged roads is very difficult, and one might not be aware of any potholes or bumps on the road. Sudden bumps can push the vehicle back, damaging the front of your vehicle.
4. Figure out alternate routes:
Although it is best to stick to familiar roads, in case of floods and rains, you might consider taking an alternative route. Not all routes are flooded equally, as some roads might have better slopes and drainage systems. Even if it's a longer route, it will be better for you and your car.
5. Do not panic:
Being stuck inside a car and unable to move can be daunting and create panic. Focus on getting to a safe place. You might not be able to open the door because of the force created by the water around your car. Under such circumstances, use any tool to pry open the windows.
Look for any tools that are easily available under your seat or inside the dicky. Tools such as jacks, wheel wrenches, and spanners are readily available inside your car. Do not try to break the windshield as they are harder to break than windows.
These are a few things that you need to keep in mind while driving through flooded roads. Once you are out of the situation, it is best to take your car to a service centre and get it checked for any damage. Repairing these can be expensive, but you don't have to worry about the expenses if you are insured by the best car insurance in India. Possibly opt for travelling by public transport during monsoon. It may sound daunting, but it is a wise option to commute rather than getting stuck in the middle of the road due to the breakdown of your vehicle.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.