News

Sandicliffe Sees Car Damage Rocket as Drivers Battle Flooded Roads

Wednesday 4th July 2007

Sandicliffe Motor Group, the East Midlands family-owned car retailer, is issuing advice to motorists after seeing an increase in vehicle repair bookings due to car damage from flooded roads.

Sandicliffe has issued the advice after seeing a run of vehicles booked into its workshops requiring complete engine replacements and other major repairs after customers have attempted to drive through deep surface water on roads across the region.

The five tips advise drivers on the safest way to tackle pockets of deep surface water whilst keeping them safe, avoiding thousands of pounds of potential damage to their vehicle.

Graeme Parks, Group Bodyshop Manager for Sandicliffe Motor Group Said: “Over recent weeks we’ve seen everything from written-off engines to damaged bodywork as a direct result of the weather and drivers not knowing the correct way to drive through water.  Getting this wrong not only puts the driver in danger but is also a costly business. On some vehicles only a few inches of water can cause major damage and replacing an engine in the average family car costs upwards of three thousand pounds.

“We hope these simple tips will help drivers avoid this, although it’s important to stress that drivers should never tackle flooded roads if they are unsure of their depth.”

 Sandicliffe’s Five Tips for Driving in Deep Surface Water Are:

1. If you have to drive through water try to drive in the highest section of the road - don’t go in if you’re unsure how deep it is. Also, wait for other oncoming vehicles to pass before entering the water.
2. Drive only fast enough to create a small bow wave in front of the vehicle - driving at speed may be dangerous to other vehicles or pedestrians.
3. Keep going once you have started - make sure you have a clear run, put the car into first gear, keep the engine’s revs high and pull away.  Don’t go in if you can’t see a way out on the other side.
4. Under no circumstances take your foot even slightly off the accelerator, as this will allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe.  As you go through the water, slip the clutch if you can.  After you come out, dry brakes by applying them (particularly important for drum brakes).
5. At the other side, keep moving, continue to rev the engine to clear any water from the exhaust and dry your brakes as water may have got between your pads.