Alex Eckford lists the steps to take to avoid expensive car trouble.

1. Be careful when driving down flooded roads

Only drive down a flooded road if you know how deep the water is. It only takes an egg cup-full of water to get into the air intake of your car to ruin the engine. Diesel and turbo-charged cars are particularly susceptible to this kind of damage.

Drive slowly to avoid creating a wave, which will raise the level of the water and make it more likely to be flooded, but keep your revs up. Some cars' air intakes are lower than others, so try to find out where yours is.

If another car is driving towards you and creating a wave, stop and switch off your engine before it hits you. Wait for the water to calm, then carry on.

Engine damage caused by water (particularly salt water) can be catastrophic, and may not be covered by your insurance, so check your documents.

If you can't tell how deep the water is, back up and find an alternative route.

2. Park on higher ground

If you live in an area under flood warning, move your car to another location, preferably on higher ground.

3. Tune in

Listen to the weather reports and flood alerts – make sure you know where the affected areas might be, and where the impassable routes are.

4. Take it out

If you think there is a danger of your car succumbing to rising waters, take important documents, like your logbook (V5C) and insurance details out of the car and store them somewhere safe.

5. Mobile phone charger

Keep an in-car charger with you to top up your phone battery.

6. If the worst comes to the worst

Finally, a word for car owners whose vehicles have been left in standing water. Due to the electrical systems being located under the seats and floors of most cars, and flood damage to cars is likely to result in an expensive rebuild. The best course of action is to check your policy, and contact your insurer.

External links

RAC

The AA