Here are some of the potential dangers you can face, and tips you can follow, if you are caught in such conditions.
Dangers of driving through deep water
Electric component failure
This is one of the first hits your car will take when navigating through high water levels. As shown in the video, the infotainment starts to behave in a funny manner when the car is in water. Sensors and electronics take a big hit and could result in short circuits or even fire if not tended to properly afterwards.
Hydrostatic lock
Hydrostatic lock or simply hydrolock is a condition in which your engine stalls and won’t start when cranked. This happens when water enters the cylinder head therefore affecting the compressibility ratio of the cylinder. Hydrolocking can cause permanent engine damage to your car (fractured crank, bent connecting rods etc). One good way to avoid such conditions is to make sure that the water level is below the air intake section. If not, don’t drive through or you may have to face serious repercussions.
Exhaust blockage
Water can seep in through the exhaust also. Constant running of engine keeps water entering the exhaust at bay because of the pressure with which the gases come out of the exhaust pipe. But, if the engine stops midway or if it stalls due to some reason, water can be sucked in.
Tips for driving across water
Drive extremely slowly
If you do have to drive through a waterlogged road, make sure you make it gentle. Entering the water at around 5 kmph and then slowly increasing the speed till 10-15 kmph is the key. By riding slowly, you create a bow wave in front of you, which forms a depression in the water, keeping water out of the engine bay. Also, keep your engine running at all costs. The moment your car stalls, consider yourself to be done for long.
Do not get in the range of heavy vehicles
For the same reason that requires you to drive slowly (bow waves), you should also stay as far back as possible from a heavy vehicle, such as a bus or a truck. Always avoid getting in range of other vehicles’ waves as these waves rise higher than the actual water level and may damage you engine. Therefore, avoid taking a flooded road with a heavy vehicle driving ahead of you, or next to you, or opposite you. Discipline is the key and one vehicle passing through a flooded stretch at a time is ideal.