Tips to Drive Safe through a Waterlogged City

We always wait for the first showers of the monsoon as it brings some respite from the hot summer days adding an enthralling grey hue to the city skyline. However, if it rains heavily; the same shower can be a daunting experience to drive especially when the rains have wrecked all havoc by creating water logging in the busy roads of cities and towns.

Poor visibility, flooding, potholes and waterlogged roads are part and parcel of the constant rain that makes driving on the busy roads a daunting experience. Not all drive the huge SUVs, which can pass through the waterlogged roads with ease. Hence, it becomes crucial to drive with extra care during the waterlogged areas of busy roads during monsoon.

Below is the list of seven tips for driving your car through waterlogged city roads in the monsoons and staying safe:

1. Say no to Speeding

It may be a fun thing for you to speed up your vehicle in a waterlogged area and enjoy splashing water all around. But, speeding at such places can harm your car. Waterlogging can hide bad potholes and open drainages over the road and by speeding up your vehicle, you can lose your control that can be fatal not just for you but also for the other cars and pedestrians. Plus, you also speed up the depreciation of your vehicle fast if you tend to continue with this habit of speeding up in water logging areas.

2. Stay in The Centre Lane

If you cannot avoid driving through waterlogged areas or roads, it would be a good idea simply to stick to the centre lane on the road. The depth of water is often higher at the left side of the road and sticking to the centre while driving at optimum speed with help you drive safe in a waterlogged area. This is because the roads are constructed with a tilt over the left side, which allows the rainwater to collect and then flow inside the drainage. The water depth in the center lane would be less and thus would allow you to have a better judgment to drive.

3. Avoid driving if the water level is above the exhaust

Before you take your car inside the waterlogged areas, judge the depth of the water. If you find the water level rising above the door sills, it is recommended not to drive. Still, if you drive, you would see your exhaust completely submerging in water, and there are chances of water entering your engine and causing severe damage.

Many car insurers do not cover engine damage due to water logging.

4. Always Keep the Throttle Pressed

While you intend to drive in the waterlogged roads, it is always vital that you keep the throttle pressed. Make sure you maintain a constant speed, you are not required to floor the throttle all you need to do is to push them gently. Even if you are changing the gear, you are supposed to keep the throttle pressed.

It is always a good idea to drive in the first and second gear and then maintain a consistent speed with higher revs. The whole idea of this exercise is to keep the water outside the engine that could enter inside the exhaust pipe.

5. Avoid Starting Your Car

Somehow if your car is seen stalling amidst the water, starting your engine is a big No-No. With the restarting efforts, you would find the vehicle entering the hydrostatic lock that can hamper your engine.

Cranking the entire will only add more water to seep inside and thus cause huge damages. Also, avoid opening up the bonnet while your car is stuck inside the water as it will only allow entering more water inside the vehicles.

6. Make Way for Others

This may seem a bit harsh, but it is always a good idea to follow others in the waterlogged roads. This will enable you to move in a right direction and if you find the car coming from the opposite direction, make sure you wait and allow the car to pass. This will avoid the ripples and thus avoid damage to your vehicle.

7. Better take a Break

It is always a good idea to stop and take a break until the rain stops. With this, the water level goes down and then you can safely drive home. This will help you both avoiding the traffic jam and the waterlogged areas as well. Above all, you need to stay calm without pressing your panic button and then only you would find these tips working for you while you drive in a busy road during monsoon season. In fact, I think you should just take a vacation during this season if you can afford to. Monsoon in the hinterlands can be as pleasant as they are dreadful in the cities.

Always Have a Car Insurance

Whether it is a mishap or a breakdown, for a car, you can always rely on the best car insurance cover. However, most car owners end up buying the insurance plan offered at the time of buying the car at the dealer. This may sound convenient but may keep you in the dark about the hidden features, which are often more useful.

For example, consider Road Side Assistance (RSA) cover in your car insurance plan. In the rainy season, the car is prone to break downs due to water logging or other issues. Whereas, chances of an accident could be low due to lower speeds. Thus, the chances of you getting stuck on the road with no apparent help nearby are more than you wrecking the car.

Best way to know all the features available in your car insurance is either by reading the policy document or simply buying the cover online. While buying online, you will be selecting or discarding the features as per your needs and will be aware of what you are buying.