Extreme Monsoon Rains: How to Drive Safely Through Deep Water

The monsoon season has arrived with full force, and this year, it’s expected to hit harder than usual. According to the National Forecasting, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms will affect various regions across Pakistan. The forecast indicates a significant risk of localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and travelers should prepare for challenging road conditions.

What’s Coming in the Next Few Days?

Over the next few days, intense rainstorms are expected to lash cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and several other parts of Punjab. The heavy rainfall will result in waterlogging and dangerous road conditions. The National Forecasting has issued a warning about possible flash floods, particularly in areas near rivers and low-lying regions.

Key Warnings:

While it’s always advisable to avoid unnecessary travel during such weather conditions, there are times when you might have to drive through roads with deep water. If you must drive through standing water, here are some tips for doing so safely:

How to Drive Through Deep Water and Flooded Roads

Here’s a quick safety guide for driving through deep water puddles where the water level is above your vehicle’s exhaust:

Avoid Driving Through Water Whenever Possible

If you don’t absolutely have to, avoid driving through standing water deep enough to submerge the vehicle’s exhaust. It’s safer to find an alternative route or wait until the water level goes down. Even small amounts of water can cause problems, so be cautious.

Drive Slowly and Steadily

If you must drive through deep water, reduce your speed to a crawl. The faster you go, the higher the risk of hydroplaning, which means you could lose control of your vehicle. Driving slowly helps prevent water from splashing into the engine and exhaust system.

Stay in the Middle of the Road

The center of the road is usually the shallowest part when there’s water pooling on the streets. Try to stay in this area to avoid driving through deeper water on the sides of the road.

Don’t Tailgate

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Driving too closely behind another car could lead to water being splashed onto your windshield or the engine of your car. Additionally, give yourself enough time to react if something goes wrong.

If the Water Level is Above the Exhaust

If the water level is near or above your vehicle’s exhaust pipe, avoid driving through it at all costs. If you absolutely must drive through, keep the engine in the lowest gear (for manual transmissions) and maintain a steady throttle. This will help keep exhaust pressure high and prevent water from entering the exhaust system. Releasing the throttle could reduce exhaust pressure, allowing water to travel back into the exhaust pipe and potentially reach the engine, which could cause it to stall.

Avoid Sudden Acceleration

Do not rev your engine or accelerate too quickly when driving through deep water. The faster you go, the more likely you are to need to use the brakes. If you brake and release the throttle, the reduced exhaust pressure can allow water to enter the exhaust system and reach the engine, potentially causing it to stall.

Use Low Gears

When driving through water, switch to a lower gear to maintain better control. Low gears help keep the engine’s power steady and reduce the risk of stalling. Also, keep the RPM steady to maintain exhaust pressure, which prevents water from entering the exhaust system and reaching the engine. If you release the throttle or slow down too much, the reduced exhaust pressure can allow water to flow back into the engine, causing it to stall. Always maintain a steady, slow pace to avoid hydro-damage.

Check Your Vehicle After Driving Through Water

Once you’ve passed through a flooded area, gently tap your brakes to test their response. This will help you assess whether they’ve been affected by the water. Usually, water will get inside the drum brakes and reduce their braking efficiency temporarily, so keep this in mind after passing through the flooded area.

Be Cautious of Fast-Moving Water

 

Never attempt to drive through fast-moving water. The force of the current could push your car off the road, and you might lose control. If you cannot see the ground beneath the water, it’s better to wait for the water to recede.

Stay Safe This Monsoon Season

This year’s monsoon is predicted to be one of the heaviest in recent times, and low-lying areas are expected to be affected by flooding. While driving through deep puddles may seem like a small challenge, it can have serious consequences if not done carefully.

Always err on the side of caution. If the water is deep or moving quickly, find an alternate route or wait for the floodwaters to recede. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition, brakes and tires are ready for the rainy season, and stay updated with local weather forecasts for the latest advisories.

Above all, your safety is the priority. Let’s all stay vigilant and prepared for what this monsoon has in store.

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