How to protect your car from flood damage

How to protect your car from flood damage

Protect Your Car from Water and Flood Damage

Important Tips for Both EV and ICE Vehicle Owners
Heavy rain and flash flooding can cause serious damage to all types of vehicles. Please follow these practical tips to protect your car during the rainy season.

Things to Do Before Driving
- Check the Weather Forecast: Avoid traveling during heavy rain or flood alerts.
- Plan Your Route: Use apps to avoid flood-prone roads, low-lying areas, and underpasses.
- Inspect Your Vehicle:

• EV: Ensure battery charge level is sufficient for unexpected delays.
• ICE: Check tire condition, brakes, and wipers for optimal performance.

- Emergency Contacts Ready: Save roadside assistance and insurance hotline numbers.

While Driving
General Tips for All Vehicles
- Avoid Flooded Roads:

• Do NOT drive through water deeper than half the wheel height.
• If the road surface is unclear, turn around safely.

- If Driving Through Water is Unavoidable:

• Drive slowly at 3 - 5 km/h (walking speed) to minimize water impact.
• Use low gear to maintain steady engine revs.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• After exiting, test your brakes gently to ensure proper function.

Additional Caution for EV Cars
•    EVs are designed with sealed battery systems, but driving through deep water still poses electrical and mechanical risks.
•    Do NOT attempt to drive through standing water deeper than 20 cm (approximately curb height).
•    Avoid water splashing onto the charging port or connectors.
•    After water exposure, inspect charging ports for moisture before charging.
•    If warning lights appear on the dashboard, contact the service center immediately.

Additional Caution for ICE Cars
•    Water can enter the engine's air intake, leading to severe damage.
•    Drive in low gear with slightly higher revs to reduce water entering the exhaust.
•    Never attempt to restart the engine if it stalls in water—this may cause costly engine failure.

Parking Tips
•    Park on High Ground: Avoid low-lying areas, underground parking, or spots near drains, canals, or rivers.
•    During Heavy Rain: Move your car to higher ground before water levels rise.
•    For EVs, simply parking in water deeper than half the wheel height for more than 1 hour can cause damage to the vehicle. Please carefully refer to your vehicle's manual for detailed information.

If Your Vehicle Stalls in Water
•    EV and ICE: Do NOT attempt to restart the car. This may worsen the damage.
•    Exit safely if possible and contact roadside assistance.

Important Reminder
Water damage is not always immediately visible but can lead to long-term electrical or engine issues. Timely inspection and proper handling reduce the risk of serious damage.

With care from Howden Maxi Insurance Broker.
Stay Safe, Drive with Caution, and Protect Your Vehicle.

For insurance inquiries or further information.

Contact Howden