To be more precise, this articles is about how your car can survive driving through a flooded area. The weather in the country can be quite unpredictable at times, especially since tropical storms like to enter its area of responsibility from time to time. Because of them, flash flooding often happens in various places in Metro Manila causing problems on the roads for all vehicles, the Toyota Vios in the Philippines included.
As a result, motorists end up getting stranded during typhoon because most of them do not know how to act and what to do in these times. For the most part, it really is better to just stop and find solace for the meantime. Otherwise, here are some tips you can follow if you really want to pursue those flooded roads:
Decrease Speed
The first thing you need to do after noticing you are about to enter a flooded area is to stop your vehicle. Assess whether your car is fit to run on flooded roads. If you are sure your vehicle can take it, then go ahead and proceed with caution. Make sure your vehicle has enough weight to hold against the flood waters. Keep your speed at a minimum to avoid any unwanted accidents. For those, who think their vehicle is unfit to drive on flooded places, look for alternate routes.
Turn On Hazard Lights
Turn on hazard lights to help you (as well as other drivers) indicate and visualize how deep the water goes. This is an important step for you to remember, particularly if there is low visibility on the roads due to the rain and flood.
Turn Off Air Conditioning
Turn off the air-conditioner so the fan in your engine compartment will have a lesser chance of getting damaged, as water can easily get to the fan while you are driving on flooded roads. You may also want to switch your gear to the highest one possible to avoid other damages.
Open Windows
Opening your windows while driving slowly through flood waters can help the air circulation in your vehicle. Keep the acceleration or throttle in balance to avoid getting water into your exhaust pipe. Try not to panic if you hear your engine growl while driving through the flood, as this is for the most part normal. Be sure to also press and maintain your clutch for M/T to avoid your engine shutting down.
Just Keep Driving
It is not a good idea to suddenly stop driving while you are in the middle of a flooded road. The best thing you can do is to keep driving slowly and surely. This way you can evade damaging your engine. As usual, be very mindful of the road ahead and not just the water surrounding you.
Contact a Mechanic
You can breathe a sigh of relief once you get past the flooded water – hurrah for you! Regardless, you should still inspect your car as soon as you get home or have it checked by a professional mechanic to assess any possible damage on the vehicle and its engine.
Take note of all these tips and remember them while driving in the flooded areas in Metro Manila. Keep emergency contacts (and an emergency kit) with you at all times, just in case you need assistance while on the road. Better to be safe than sorry!
