That’s why we’ve put together some useful tips in this winter driving guide for what you should do in the event of mass flooding, to look after your vehicle and to remain safe on the roads.
My car has flooded – what should I do?
First of all, don’t turn on the engine until you know the extent of the damage. In some cases, the water may have caused damage to the engine and electronics, so avoid making the situation worse.
The next step is to contact your insurance company and describe the details. It is advisable to take pictures demonstrating the water line if it has flooded inside the vehicle to help with any potential claim.
Water could have flooded the engine, so it can take serious work to replace or fix the issue.
You should try and air out the vehicle as soon as possible. Open the windows, if you can push the car into a garage or under a car port, that could help with this process.
If the water level has reached the carpets but not the engine, then you may be in luck. Potentially, all it needs is a good cleaning and drying out.
Call a local garage and see if a mechanic can take a look as soon as possible.
How deep can I drive in water?
Just to be clear – driving on flooded roads is both dangerous and ill-advised. You could end up irreparably damaging your vehicle, getting stuck, or creating a situation where you endanger yourself and other road users.
As a general rule, do not drive in water deeper than 10cm. This can be increased to up to 30cm in some modern cars, larger SUVs, or off-road vehicles.
Driving in heavy rain is already challenging enough and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
If you’re approaching a puddle or small body of water, then there are some important things to remember.
When driving through the water, don’t increase your speed as you hit the water. Drive slow and steady and try not to disturb the water and create a wave. If possible, drive in the middle of the road, as the water should be at its shallowest at this point. Do not stop until you reach the other side of the flood water.
Should the depth be acceptable to drive through, then once you’re at the other side, pull over and let any water drain out before carrying on your journey. This is at your own risk, and isn’t advisable if you’re unsure about the road ahead.
Once you’ve pulled away again slowly, and gently tap your brakes to create some heat, which will help evaporate any excess water. This will help test the effectiveness of your brakes. Should they feel different, then visit a garage as soon as possible.
If possible, park your vehicle up before the water and check the depth. Don’t take the risk if it’s too deep or you can’t see what’s under the water. You will need to find an alternative route to get around the flooded road.
Once you are through, find a safe spot out of the weather conditions – if possible – and try and air out the vehicle. Open the doors, windows, and sunroof to help with this process. Use the car’s internal heating and remove your items from the vehicle.
RAC statistics show breakdown numbers increase significantly during periods of wet weather – so take extra care! In fact, the Environment Agency urges all drivers to stay away from floodwater.
Car flooding damage
If water gets into the engine in the event of a flood, there may be no saving it.
This type of damage is commonly known as ‘hydro-lock’.
When this happens, water enters the engine through the air intake system and causes internal damage to the engine and linking components.
Hydro-lock often occurs when drivers attempt to travel through flooded areas or when water has become trapped in the engine or electrics.
In modern vehicles, this means that many different systems in the car will be impacted by the water damage.
It could also lead to issues with the brakes, and other moving parts.
Water can get into the various fluids in the vehicle – never good, but most damaging when it enters the fuel tank.
When you get a chance out of the rain, check to see if your dipstick is still in its tube. If it is loose or the fluid is over the oil line, then you will likely have water damage.
Any water damage to your fluid systems will likely result in them having to be drained, fixed and/or replaced.
Long term damage can include rusting and internal mould in the vehicle by the bacteria left by the water that flooded the vehicle.
If you get stuck in flood water when in your vehicle – call 999.
Could I get fined for driving on a flooded road?
Yes! If you’re driving in heavy rain and flooding has occurred, then be wary that not only will you damage your vehicle – but you could end up with a fine and points on your licence.
Drivers could face a £5,000 fine for driving through a flooded road, where they lose control of the vehicle.
This is because it can put yourself and other road users in danger – and it can also lead to up to nine penalty points on your licence.
Aquaplaning when you can’t control the vehicle is also punishable with the same offence – so take care in wet weather conditions.
This can sometimes be caused by poor tyre tread. The police can issue a further fine of £2,500 for driving without due care. This can also be accompanied by three penalty points.
Have you been impacted by the recent floods? What advice would you give to those who have also suffered from the recent weather conditions?
Plus £40 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card† on selected cover
• Cheaper than AA Price Guarantee^
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
What to do if your car is stuck in flood water?
If your car is stuck in flood water, stay calm, and think about your next steps. This is because it is a safety risk, and you could damage the vehicle more.
Never try to move the vehicle or restart the engine when floodwaters are still present.
This can lead to further damage to the vehicle or cause it to be swept away.
Leave the vehicle and take yourself to higher ground.
Once the floodwater has subsided, return to the vehicle and assess the damage.
How long does it take for flooded roads to clear?
Depending on the severity of the flooding, the water could drain away in a few yours – or take a few weeks!
Flash flooding typically dissipates in a few hours, but with consistent heavy rain, the floodwater could take a long time to drain.
Also, the location plays an integral role in getting rid of floodwater. Poor drainage and road design can attribute to longer periods with flooding.
How to protect your car from flooding
To protect your car from flooding, follow these simple tips:
- Park in higher ground (especially before heavy rain)
- Avoid parking near rivers, streams, lakes, or any areas where water levels can rise quickly
- Use flood barriers if you live in a flood-prone area
- Regularly inspect the drainage around your parking area to ensure water can flow freely
- Maintain your car’s seals and weatherstripping
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of flood damage to your car.
RAC flood warnings
Here in Britain, we have many areas that experience regular flooding – so here are some tips to remember before you set off on your journey if there is heavy rain in your area.
- Avoid driving during heavy rainfall or flooding events where possible
- Check weather reports, flood warnings, and road conditions before heading out
- Drive slowly and cautiously as floodwaters can be deceptively deep
- Maintain extra space between you and other vehicles
- Use low beams where possible, as high beams can reflect off the water, reducing visibility for other drivers
- Drive in the centre of the road where possible, as the edges of the road are more likely to be submerged
- If you come upon a flooded road or barricade, turn around and find an alternate route – do not risk it
- Keep windows up and doors locked
- Be cautious of debris, potholes and damage to the road
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Driving in heavy downpours can be very dangerous so it’s vital people slow down, leave a much larger space between their vehicle and the one in front, and avoid driving through standing water.
“Anyone driving through even very shallow water at speed risks ‘aquaplaning’ which means losing control of their vehicle and drastically increasing the chance of an accident.
“Be very careful when encountering standing surface water because the last thing you want to do is become a sitting duck. This could lead to very expensive vehicle damage or even an insurance write-off. If you’re not entirely sure the water is shallow enough to drive through safely, the best thing to do is turn around and go another way.”
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis continued: “Conditions are especially challenging due to heavy rain and snowmelt causing flooding across the country.
“It’s even more important that drivers check their routes before setting off, as puddles could develop into deeper pools of water throughout the day.
“Size up any standing water before driving through, look for objects that could damage the vehicle and try to find another way to your destination if in any doubt about the water’s depth.”
