Driving in a flood-prone area is never easy. Some car owners drive through the floodwaters unaware of the damages they can cause. Here are 8 reasons why you shouldn’t drive your car through floodwater. Keep reading to know more.
1. You never know what’s beneath the water
You shouldn’t drive your car through floodwater because it’s simply not safe, and you have no idea what’s hiding beneath the water. It could be a damaged pavement, a huge pothole, or a large boulder that can damage your car and compromise your safety.
2. You and the car can get submerged in the floodwater
You can never judge the depth of the water. What might appear like shallow water can be an abyss that can pull you and the inside. If you get trapped in one of them by mistake, rescuing you could get difficult as the doors will be impossible to open because of the pressure underwater. Also, the vehicle can start sinking once water enters. Therefore, never take the risk of driving through floodwater. Just turn back and drive in a different route.
3. The current can sweep your vehicle
Floodwater that’s moving is more dangerous than the stagnant one. The current in the moving water can sweep your car. Also, when this happens, you will lose control over your car and hit the moving debris and objects that can damage your vehicle.
4. It can damage components inside your car
The floodwater can damage the components if it enters your car’s hood. Most of the components after being damaged by water need to be replaced. Remember, the cost for repair or replacement is often very expensive. You can save yourself and your money by not driving through the water.
5. Damage your car’s electronic components
Computers and electrical components play a huge role in almost all modern cars. Exposure to floodwater can make the electrical devices malfunction or damage them. You should never take these damages lightly because most of these components need to be in the best condition to drive your vehicle without any hassle.
6. Water can contaminate the fluid
Fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and others need to be at an optimal level for the vehicle to work properly. The entry of floodwater can contaminate these vital fluids in your car and cause huge damage to components dependent on the fluids.
7. Flood water is corrosive
When exposed to air and moisture, metal will rust; this is basic chemistry. Well, it’s no secret that your car’s made of metal. Therefore, any metallic parts that are not protected will rust when exposed to floodwaters. The rusting process can turn your vehicle into scrap metal in no time.
8. Can make your car’s interior smelly
Floodwater is not just rainwater. It contains sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. So when this filthy water enters your car, it’s sure to make the vehicle messy. In most cases, even if you flush the water and clean the interiors completely, the foul smell can still linger inside your car.
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