Flood Safety Advice
Flood Safety Advice from Our Tech Advisors
When flooding hits, it's easy to feel like you need to push through or take a shortcut. But the most
important advice is simple: Stay off the roads.
Tip #1: Flood Water Can Be Deceptive
Floodwaters can appear deceptively shallow or slow-moving, but they are often far more dangerous than
they seem. Attempting to drive through flooded areas is risky and could result in losing control of your
vehicle, or worse, being swept away. In addition to the immediate dangers posed by moving water,
floodwaters can conceal other hazards. Roads may be washed out, or there could be debris hidden beneath
the surface, like fallen trees, rocks, or large pieces of wreckage. These can damage your car or cause you
to lose control, even if the water itself doesn’t appear to be moving rapidly. Flooded roads can also
weaken the roadbed, making the surface unstable and causing it to collapse without warning. What seems
like a minor risk could escalate quickly into a life-threatening situation. The dangers of driving through
floodwaters far outweigh any perceived benefits, so err on the side of caution and avoid the roads entirely.
Tip #2: The Impact of Floodwater on Your Vehicle
Driving through floodwaters can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and
electrical systems. When water enters the engine, it can cause something known as “hydrolock”, which
may destroy internal components and require a full engine replacement. Water can also contaminate
transmission fluid, leading to overheating or complete transmission failure. Additionally, modern vehicles
rely on complex electronics, and exposure to water can short-circuit critical systems often moving quickly
from minor damage to completely totaled. Even if the damage isn’t immediately apparent, water exposure
can lead to long-term issues like rust, mold, and electrical failures that compromise your car’s reliability
and safety.
Tip #3: After a Flood
Even if you successfully avoid driving through floodwaters, your vehicle can still be at risk if it’s been
exposed to flooding conditions. Water can infiltrate your car in ways that are not always immediately
visible and components that may seem unaffected at first glance could have absorbed water and be
compromised in ways that only become obvious later. It's always best to have it checked by a professional
as soon as possible. It’s not worth taking the risk of driving with potential hidden damage that could put
you in a dangerous situation later on.
Our expert team is here to help keep you safe on the road no matter the weather.