worried after driving thru flood water

Nodding_Donkey

Strider590 wrote: »

I hold back until they're clear and then go through at 15-20mph whilst giving it some beans.

Your having a laugh aren't you?

Lum

Pont wrote: »

Also around my area there are loads of 'road ahead closed' signs up (well when they haven't blown over!) and everyone is ignoring them.

Not to mention they love to put up the "Flood" signs on major roads because there's a little bit of surface water and then leave them for a week even though it's now bright and sunny with not a drop of water on the road, thus conditioning everyone to ignore them.

cootuk

If it was a narrow country lane, at least you didn't end up piling into a car coming the other way.

~Chameleon~

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

A bow wave can actually help you get through deeper water in some vehicles

And if the flooded road is lined by houses it will cause further flooding and misery to the home owners. It can be rather selfish to drive through flooded roads, don't you think?

marlot

GolfBravo wrote: »

The main issues are:
- wet air filter and MAF sensor
- thermal shock can shorten the DPF and cat lifespan (very likely)
- thermal shock can damage/kill clutch, also water in the clutch housing can kill the bearing (this usually happens when very hot)
- possible timing belt damage
- fan belt gets wet and dirty water ends up inside the alternator
- possible wheel bearing damage

All of this is true, but I'd add:
- Water entering the axles/gearbox.

I've seen gearboxes with extensive internal rust following floods. Ardent off roaders fit remote axle breathers to ensure the water stays out.

AdrianC

vikingaero wrote: »

Most modern cars have so many undertrays that help to keep water/debris away from components.

Mostly, they're there for drive-by noise regulations, with a minor aerodynamic side effect.

Nodding_Donkey

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

And if the flooded road is lined by houses it will cause further flooding and misery to the home owners. It can be rather selfish to drive through flooded roads, don't you think?

Well you'd expect people to use a little common sense.

But reading these forums it doesn't seem too common

Strider590

Gloomendoom wrote: »

All you need to do is get water close to the depth of the inlet to the air filter housing. Unfortunately, many are situated low down in the engine compartment.

Most i've seen have them just above the radiator.

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

Your having a laugh aren't you?

The objective is:

a) to stop the water entering the exhaust.
b) to carry enough momentum to get most of the way through, regardless of whether you stall.

The actual speed is entirely dependent on other factors, it's a judgement call, one that needs to be based on some logical thinking and not on "OMG it's a puddle, PANIC!!!!".

BUT you want to make sure your the only one in the water when you enter it, following some numpty into the water is suicidal.

pvt

pd52 wrote: »

it was a narrow country lane, i went around a corner and it goes slightly down hill and i didnt have chance to brake

From that description I assume that if a car ahead of you had gone around this bend and had stopped on seeing the water, you would have slammed into the back of it?

Nodding_Donkey

yes, if the car in front was only 10 inches tall