Protecting Your Vehicle From Flood Damage

Except in relatively rare flash floods, it is easy to protect your vehicle from flood damage:

• Listen to weather reports.
• Know what happens in the area where your vehicle is usually parked when there are heavy rains or rising water. Take action during danger periods simply by parking your vehicle elsewhere.
• If you are driving your vehicle during heavy rains or in a flooded area, do not enter the area until you know the depth of the water. Seemingly shallow water can hide deep, dangerous holes. Fast currents can also sweep you and the vehicle away.
• Even after you know the depth of the water, avoid entering flooded areas too quickly. Many vehicles have their engine air intakes very low. If you enter a flooded area too fast, water can get sucked into the engine. Generally, this will only stall the vehicle, causing no permanent damage. However, if the engine is revving very high, it can severely damage the engine.
• If you do enter a flooded area, proceed slowly. Test your brakes after you have cleared the area. Even disc brakes need to dry out before full braking power is restored.