Most water damage is covered by reputable car insurance policies so if your car is having difficulties after driving through water, contact your car insurance provider. Whilst some water damage can be rectified simply and relatively cheaply, if water becomes established in your car’s engine, it can be extremely difficult to repair.
One of the most serious risks if you drive through water is that your car’s air intake will be submerged. The air intake provides the engine with its air supply and if it’s beneath the water’s surface, water can be sucked into the engine and could damage it irreparably.
The height of the air intake varies between different vehicles. It is usually at headlight height but in off-road vehicles it is often much higher. Some cars have much lower air intakes than others, which puts them at greater risk of ingesting water.
If you live near a ford it is worth finding out the height of the air intake in your vehicle to ensure that it won’t be submerged as you drive across.
Deep water driving tips:
Although the reported number of accidents resulting in personal injury went down by 4% between 2008 and 2009, it is still worth doing all we can to prevent personal injury on the road. The following tips can help to keep you and your car free from harm when dealing with deep water.
When driving through deep water use a low gear so that small amounts of water can pass through the engine without accumulating.
Drive at a steady pace so that your car forms a continuous wave. If you slow down or stop, water can slosh back against the car allowing more water to make its way into the inner workings of the vehicle.
Once you’re out of the water it is always prudent to apply the brakes to clear any water and make sure that they’re still working properly.
If you experience difficulties and suspect that water may have entered the engine it is best not to try to start your car. Instead, remove the spark plugs and then turn the engine over until the water has cleared. You can now replace the dry spark plugs. If you’re lucky, this method will resolve the problem, otherwise you may have to visit a mechanic.
If your engine does suck in water and will not start, your car insurance should be able to protect you financially from the cost of the necessary repairs. In any case, if you find out the height of the air intake in your car then you’ll be in a much better position to judge which puddles to avoid.