Don’t take risks on flooded roads

The risks associated with driving on heavily flooded roads should never be underestimated, even in urban areas.

If you’re faced with driving through a section of road that is heavily flooded, it’s always best to turn around and find another route if possible.

Driving on flooded roads at night is especially dangerous as it can be even harder to gauge the depth.

Water as shallow as 15cm can be dangerous to drive through, not just because of the damage it may do to your car but also the danger it may pose to you and others inside the car.

The force of even slow-moving water pressing against your car can be much more powerful than you realise. In regional areas, water may also undermine road surfaces.

Your vehicle’s maximum wading depth should be in the owner’s manual, but as a guide, if the water is deep enough to reach the bottom of the doors, don’t drive through.

You could risk damage to the engine and other major parts, and the car’s electrical systems. If water enters the engine, severe damage can be caused, which could require you to replace or rebuild the engine. Water may also affect electric windows and door locks, which could become a safety issue if you get stuck.

If you have no choice but to drive through and you can gauge that the water level isn’t high enough to be dangerous, drive through slowly to reduce the chances of water being forced up into the car’s undercarriage.

Once you’re through, apply light pressure to your brakes to test that they haven’t been affected, stick to a safe speed and remember to keep a good distance from any cars in front of you.