How to Drive an Automatic Car During Floods, So the Car Remains Safe

Friends may wonder how to drive an automatic car during a flood, especially when the intensity of the rain is very high, causing flooding to occur. Floods often create problems for everyone, including for friends who are driving. Even though the water level is high, sometimes due to busyness or urgent matters, friends are forced to continue driving when the flood comes.

However, friends must pay attention to several things first, both when intending to drive and after driving in the midst of the flood. Here are the ways to drive an automatic car during a flood that friends should know.

Driving an Automatic Car During a Flood

There are several things that friends need to do to drive an automatic car safely during a flood.

1. Pay Attention to Water Level

Before deciding to drive your automatic car during a flood, it is better for friends to first ensure the height of the water level. The higher the water level, the greater the risk of vehicle damage.

Check first whether the road you will pass is still in a safe water level or not. This must be done even if your automatic car has a high ground clearance.

Although basically, the best way to drive during a flood is to look for an alternative route that is safer from the water level, or friends can wait until the water recedes. If friends are required to continue driving, make sure the air filter in the car remains safe and is not submerged in the water.

If this air filter gets submerged, it can increase the risk of water hammer. Water hammer is a condition where water can enter the combustion chamber. This can cause the car engine to be damaged.

One thing that friends must pay attention to when driving in such conditions is to ensure that you remain calm and not panic. Focus on maintaining the engine RPM. However, as previously explained, ensure that the water level does not exceed half of the wheel. If the water level is too high, it is better not to force yourself to drive through the flood.

2. Use First Gear

After friends ensure that the water level is safe to pass, the next step is to shift the transmission lever to the lowest gear or position L, which is first gear.

When driving in a flood, it is better not to shift from first gear. This is to ensure that the speed of your car remains stable, and the engine RPM will also last longer.

Another purpose is to allow the exhaust gases to be expelled from the exhaust system so that the flow of water can be held back and prevent it from entering the engine compartment through the exhaust pathway.

3. Drive Slowly

The way to drive an automatic car during a flood is to move slowly. Driving an automatic car in the midst of a flood requires extra caution. Friends need to drive at a low speed in the lowest gear as well. It is better to use manual transmission or you can also use automatic transmission if friends really have to drive during a flood.

By moving slowly, it will help friends anticipate potential hazards such as large potholes or even ditches that cross the road. Such things can certainly endanger the vehicle.

4. Turn Off the Engine When Stalled

If the water level is so high that it exceeds half of your automatic car's wheels, it may cause the engine to stall in the middle of the road. If this happens, it is better not to try to restart the engine. This is because it can worsen the damage to the engine. Friends certainly do not want to experience this, right?

5. Dry the Brakes

If friends can pass through the flood, do not delay checking the condition of your car's brakes. The method is quite simple; friends can drive the car at a slow speed of about 5 km/h. After that, brake the car several times. The goal is to ensure that the car is still in good condition.

For a safer approach, it is better to take your car to a workshop for a thorough inspection of all components. This way, any damage can be identified immediately, and the car can quickly return to good condition.

6. Check Engine Oil, Transmission, and Brake Fluid

Water that touches the bottom of the car engine and the gearbox can cause water to enter the interior and mix with the lubricant.

Therefore, it is important for friends to check the transmission, brake fluid, and engine oil after successfully passing through high water levels. If the oil color changes to cloudy like milk or becomes lighter, it means the oil has mixed with water. If this happens, immediately take your automatic car for maintenance or inspection at a workshop to prevent further damage.

That is how to drive an automatic car during a flood that friends need to know. If the road conditions are not conducive, it is better not to force yourself to continue driving.

Tips Sahabat