What to Do When a Vehicle Stalls Due to Road Waterlogging Caused by Heavy Rain?
1 Answers
You should immediately exit the vehicle and move to higher ground. Here are some precautions for driving in heavy rain: 1. Address visibility issues promptly while driving: Using headlights in rainy conditions can create a blinding glare, so switch to fog lights instead. If fog forms on the windshield, turn on the air conditioning's cooling function and direct cold air toward the windshield to quickly clear visibility. If fog appears on the rear windshield, activate the rear defroster to eliminate it as soon as possible. If the wipers are not clearing water effectively, applying car wax to the windows can create a wax film on the glass surface, improving visibility. 2. Navigate waterlogged areas at low speed and high RPM: When driving through waterlogged areas, use a low gear, maintain a slow speed, and steady the throttle. Avoid stopping, shifting gears, or making sharp turns midway. Even in neutral, keep revving the engine to maintain exhaust pressure higher than the water pressure, preventing water from flowing back into the exhaust pipe if the car stalls, which could damage the exhaust system. Avoid driving if the water depth exceeds the center of the wheels or the exhaust pipe to prevent engine stalling. 3. Post-rain inspection: This helps identify potential issues early. Pay special attention to checking for water accumulation in the intake vents near the engine compartment and cabin divider, as well as in the grooves on both sides of the wheel wells. If water is found, rinse the intake vents with clean water and clear the drainage channels to ensure optimal vehicle performance. 4. Avoid low tire pressure: When driving in rainy conditions, maintain a tire tread depth of at least 4 mm to prevent issues like veering, fishtailing, or increased braking distance. 5. Maintain a safe following distance: The braking distance on wet roads is approximately three times that on dry roads. Therefore, always keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead—at least two car lengths, depending on speed—to avoid rear-end collisions. If the vehicle behind is following too closely, turn on the hazard lights to alert them.
