Summer is in the air and that means humidity is too. There is no escaping it, usually hot weather means we get humidity and with that comes some pretty crazy storms. Now storms aren’t all bad, they usually do break the humidity, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous. Summer storms tend to be quick but can leave lots of flooding, making it hard to drive in and mask potential hazards in the road. We get a lot of rain here in Pennsylvania, but not as much as other places. If you’ll be hitting the road this summer to unknown places, it might be a good idea to check out our helpful tips below. Below you’ll find tips for making it through a flooded area after or during a storm, and even if you won’t be traveling this summer it’s always good information to have! So check it out and if you find your vehicle is damaged during a storm, just schedule a service appointment with us and we can get your ride back into tip-top- shape!
Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots:
- It’s easy to think we can just drive through standing water if we go slow, but the truth is the average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water!
- Driving through water can also stall your engine which could cause damage if you try to restart the engine.
- If you come along a flooded road or lot, try to find an alternative route to your destination!
Take extra precautions if you’re forced to drive through water:
- Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).
- Drive slowly and steadily through the water.
- Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric current passes through water easily.
- Watch for items traveling downstream — they can trap or crush you if you’re in their path.
- If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot.
- Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries.
- If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. Keep in mind that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine.
- If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.
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