5 Things You Should Do When Your Car Gets Flooded/Stuck In Water

Monsoons have just arrived and so has the hassle! With waterlogged streets a common sight, day and night rainfall has led to severe flooding of metropolitans and small towns alike. With continuous rainfall, a common phenomenon, the unexpectedness of it all can make your beloved vehicles get stuck inside water for hours. But god forbid that happens, here is what you can do.

1. Do Not Turn The Engine On!
   

   

   Well, first things first, if you happen to be stuck in a pool of water with no way out, just do not turn your vehicle on. If your vehicle stops amidst water, turning the engine on again can turn out to be fatal for your engine. Turning your engine amidst water can lead to a “hydro lock”; a situation where water damages your engine pistons. And trust us when we say it, that’s the worst thing that can happen to your vehicle.

   Also Read: Why Your Car needs an Underbody Coating before Monsoon

2. Escape Your vehicle
   

   

   It is no rocket science that when you’re trapped inside a flooding vehicle, then the first thing you do is escape! Since heavy monsoons have a reputation of turning ugly in no time, escaping your vehicle would be a smarter thing to do. This way, you wouldn’t panic and will be able to make decisions that will actually help you.

   Checkout: 12 Most Practical Monsoon Car Care Tips which are Actually Useful

3. Call Your Insurance Company
   

   

   To make sure the damage does not drain your finances, make sure to call up your insurance company and inform them about the mishap. Since flood damage is usually covered under comprehensive (fire and theft) insurance, you may be saved from losing your beloved vehicle forever. And since your insurance company will be “flooded” with calls, it is smart to start the process a little early.

   Must Read: 15 Popular Car Insurance Terminologies That You Should Know!

4. Get Your Vehicle Towed
   

   

   Now that you’ve called up your insurance company, it’s time to get your vehicle towed. Call up your emergency service partners, car manufacturer or GoMechanic! And get your vehicle to a safe space, where it can dry off and damage assessed. If possible tow it to the nearest service centre, as there your vehicle will get the due attention it deserves.

5. Plan Out The Repair/Claim Process
   

   

   Once your car is towed to a safer place and dried up, assess for the damage that has been caused and plan out the repair through an insurance claim or otherwise. You can even get in touch with GoMechanic, where our expert technicians will advise you about what can be done further.

   Did you check out: 5 Reasons Why You Should Partner With GoMechanic For Insurance Claims!

   Whatever the situation might be, a calm state of mind can help you sail through it. Till, then stay pinned to the GoMechanic blog, where we bring to you more than just automotive.

   Read: Top 9 Selling Two Wheelers in India – June 2021

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FAQs

Is an engine ruined if it gets water in it?

Water entering the engine causes hydrolock which prevents operation of the engine and results in major damage to its components. The engine damage which occurs through water intake creates multiple problems because it leads to connecting rod bending and piston breakage. The engine needs to be turned off right away because it requires service in order to be fixed. The engine needs immediate assessment for its current condition. 

What should you do when your vehicle gets trapped in water? 

The first step to take when your car gets stuck in water involves turning off the engine to protect it from harm. You must avoid starting the vehicle again because it will cause water to reach the engine. You should leave the car when water begins to rise and then proceed to find higher ground. Using roadside assistance services or tow companies represents the most effective solution for your situation. 

Will a flooded engine clear itself? 

A flooded engine needs a manual process to remove water because the machine will not recover without human intervention. When an engine takes in water it creates major internal damage which results in serious engine problems. The vehicle requires mechanic inspection before starting its ignition process again. The consequence of ignoring this problem results in high-cost repairs which will follow. 

What steps should you take when your vehicle sinks into water? 

The first step to take when your car gets stuck in water involves turning off the engine to protect it from harm. Inside the vehicle use your seatbelt to secure yourself but you must exit the car when the water reaches your chest. As soon as the vehicle reaches rising water levels you should leave the car and swim to safety. When emergency situations arise you should remove your seatbelt while assisting others to exit your vehicle. 

What minimum depth of water will result in driver loss of vehicle control? 

Driving becomes dangerous when drivers encounter even a minimal amount of water. Six inches of water will create conditions which cause some vehicles to lose control and stop working. Twelve inches of moving water will create conditions which make it possible for small cars to be carried away. The most secure option available to drivers involves staying away from driving through areas affected by flooding.