Flooded roads taking a toll on vehicles

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, July 18

Waterlogged roads are taking a toll on vehicles which suffer severe damage, partly due to knee-deep water and partly due to drivers’ unawareness of how to handle submerged vehicles. Potholes and eroded berms of link roads have compounded the problems for owners of cars with small wheels, motorcycles and scooters.

Automobile engineers and mechanics have cautioned car drivers against probable heavy losses caused by water entering the engine section.

Inder Pal Singh of Green Avenue apprehended massive loss after his SUV broke down on a flooded road. He apprehended rainwater entered the engine besides spoiling the interior of the vehicle. “Like any other amateur driver, I tried to start my car after it stopped on a flooded road of the town. But it did not work. When I took the vehicle to a local workshop, the mechanic showed his helplessness to mend it. According to him, water had damaged the electronic and electrical components of the car,” he said.

Councillor Deepak Sharma said he, along with his friends, helped some residents push their vehicles out of flooded roads. Rainwater had damaged their ignition system and engines.

An automobile engineer advised a vehicle should not be started if its wheels are half submerged.

What to do if a vehicle breaks down 

If your car is immersed in water more than halfway up its wheels, follow these steps to assess and address the damage.

• Do not try to start the vehicle.
• Ascertain how deep the car is submerged. Most insurance companies consider the car damage beyond economically reasonable repair if water reaches the bottom of the dashboard.
• Call up your insurance firm.
• Start drying the interior.
• Check the oil and air cleaner. 
• Check all other fluids.
• Check the electrical system before trying to start the vehicle.
• Check the wheels and tyres.
• If in doubt, push the car to a workshop or call a qualified mechanic.