Driving through flood water

ripplyuk

On my journey out this morning, two of the routes I can use were flooded so I turned back and went another way, which was the only one left. This road was wet in parts but not flooded - until the last bit, about 15 meters long. The car in front of me went through ok so I decided to go on. It was pretty deep in the middle. I could hear water sloshing about under the car. It scared the life out of me and I'm still shook up about it.

What I'd like advice about is what to do about the car now. I drove on and didn't notice any problems, except that the brakes didn't work well at first. I've also been out again later today and it seemed fine. But I keep thinking of how just a teaspoon of water will destroy a car's engine. The carpets inside aren't damp so I don't think it went as high as that but I have no idea where the air filter is or if it got wet. I've heard that on some cars, they are very low down.

Should I take it to a mechanic and get them to check it?

[Deleted User]

If you drove away, it's fine.

You need do nothing.

BykerSands

Should be fine

In future apply the brakes when you come out of the water to dry them off.

As long as you don't stall water won't go into the exhaust. As long as the water level is below the air intake/filter all will be ok.

ripplyuk

Thanks guys. That's helped to put my mind at rest.

It's just that I've been reading stuff on honest John and people said the 'bearings' snapped months after driving through floods, which sounds dangerous. Another advised getting rid of any car that's been driven through water or it'll be non stop repair bills.

My car was bought new in 2014 so I'd really hate to think I've ruined it. Should I check the oil and see if it looks different, in case water splashed in there? Sorry, I know nothing about these things.

BykerSands

How far did you drive after. A lot of the moving parts will have dried off.

I can see how any water will have mixed with the oil so it should be ok.

Neil_Jones

The "don't get water in the car engine" thing normally results from driving too fast through the water in the first place, and it's that more than anything else that forces water up into the intake and seizes up; likewise if you generate enough of a wave for it to splash back up and over the bonnet.

If it makes you feel better, go to the mechanic but as previously stated, there's no real need. The brakes not working initially is understandable as they'll be wet. Once they dry out they'll be fine, if a bit squeaky initially.

sheramber

I was taught

do not enter the water until the car in front has exited- in case he gets stuck.

Drive through slowly and steadily keeping to the crown of the road where the depth should be lower.

Apply brakes several times on the other side to dry them off and check that they are working.

ripplyuk

I drove it for about 8 miles straight after, and 15 miles later. Probably would have been better to drive further and let it dry off but with all this flooding, I thought it best not to venture further and just wanted home.

The water wasn't anywhere near the bonnet so hopefully the engine is ok. It was sloshing round the wheels and underneath. It was an elderly couple in front of me and they didn't seem at all fazed driving through this flood. I was terrified afterwards. I did wait for them to go through first.

My car's under a PCP so I think I'll just see how it goes and if it starts needing a whole load of repairs regularly, I'll give it back when the PCP ends.

forgotmyname

Rip the engine and box out and reseal all joins with silicone sealant
and fit a snorkel high up, a 6" lift will help with smaller floods.

Better be quick more rain on the way it seems.

I had a joke email the other day to say its not the weather at fault the UK
is sinking.

RichardD1970

I got stuck in a flood a few years ago, had to be pushed out after it stalled, water inside car up to the bottom of the seats.

I got it stared again and left it running for a couple of hours whilst I cleaned out the interior with a wet vac.

The only thing that went wrong was I got an air bag warning light come on so had to have the module replace which was done under warranty (didn't tell them I had taken the car swimming ).

Had the car for another 4 or 5 years with absolutely no problems and only normal wear and tear issues.

Car was a Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi.

WobblyDog

I drove an old Mk4 Fiesta through flood water that was deep enough to come in through the door seals and soak the carpets, I'm guessing it was 40cm deep. It didn't seem to cause any lasting damage. In retrospect I shouldn't have been as gung-ho, and I wouldn't risk it again in a car with substantial value left in it.