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Five tips to keep your car safe during heavy rains

By Favour Agbai

30 September 2024   |   1:40 pm

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With the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting thunderstorms across the country from Monday to Wednesday, residents are bracing for more rain and possible urban flooding. It’s been raining for days now, and while the weather might be unpredictable, life goes on. Whether you're driving to work or running errands, navigating through flooded streets has become…

With the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicting thunderstorms across the country from Monday to Wednesday, residents are bracing for more rain and possible urban flooding.

It’s been raining for days now, and while the weather might be unpredictable, life goes on. Whether you’re driving to work or running errands, navigating through flooded streets has become a common challenge for many Nigerians.

Here are practical tips to help you drive safely through floods without causing harm to your vehicle.

READ ALSO: FG okays N350 billion to tackle flooding

1. Drive Slowly
It may seem tempting to speed through a flooded road to get out as quickly as possible, but this can cause serious damage to your car. Driving fast increases the likelihood of water splashing into the engine and other technical parts. Instead, drive slowly and steadily to reduce water entering sensitive areas of your vehicle.

2. Maintain Extra Distance
When driving through a flooded road, it’s essential to keep a greater distance between your car and the one in front of you. This extra space gives you enough time to react if the car ahead gets stuck in a ditch or waterlogged area. Remember, braking in water takes longer than on dry roads.

3. Never Restart Your Car in the Flood
If your car stalls while driving through water, DO NOT RESTART IT. Restarting the engine could allow water into critical components, causing long-term damage. Instead, seek help to push the car out of the flooded area before attempting to start it again.

4. Turn Off the AC
While driving through a flood, make sure to turn off your air conditioning system. The AC fan can cause water to splash onto vital components under the hood, which could lead to damage. Once you’re out of the flood, you can switch it back on.

5. Keep Driving Slowly After the Flood
Even after successfully navigating through a flooded road, it’s best to continue driving slowly for a while. This allows any water trapped in hidden parts of the car to drain out, reducing the chances of long-term damage.

Stay Prepared

With NiMet’s forecast of heavy rains and thunderstorms across various parts of Nigeria, including major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna, flooding is almost inevitable. NiMet has also warned of potential urban flooding due to the continuous downpour. Therefore, it’s important to stay vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and ensure your car is equipped to handle these tough weather conditions.