Roads in Indian cities flooded due to heavy rain. Here's some driving tips for flooded roads
As heavy rains sweep across India, they bring much-needed relief from the scorching summer. But for motorists, it also means a serious uptick in waterlogged streets, traffic snarls, and car troubles. With reports of road flooding in parts of Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities, the water can cause major damage to vehicles and pose serious safety risks if an individual isn't prepared for the worst-case scenarios.
Taking a few precautions before you drive out during the rains can save you from expensive repairs and potential danger. Remember, when in doubt, park it out. It's always safer to wait than to risk driving through deep water. Here are a few essential tips to protect your car and ensure your own safety while driving in critical situations:
Also check these Vehicles
Find more Cars
Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Cabriolet 2999.0 cc
2999.0 cc Petrol
Petrol
₹ 1.30 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Maserati MC20 3000.0 cc
3000.0 cc Petrol
Petrol
₹ 3.69 Cr
Compare
View Offers
BMW X4 2998 cc
2998 cc Petrol
Petrol
₹ 96.20 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
UPCOMING Toyota bZ4X 72.8 kWh
72.8 kWh 405 Km
405 Km
₹ 70 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
UPCOMING Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2024 1950 cc
1950 cc Petrol
Petrol
₹ 65 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
UPCOMING Lexus LBX 1498 cc
1498 cc Petrol
Petrol
₹ 45 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Avoid waterlogged roads
If you see a stretch of road submerged in water, take a different route, even if it's a longer one. Driving through deep water can lead to engine hydrostatic lock, a costly issue that occurs when water enters the engine.
Know your vehicle's wading depth
Every car has a limit to how much water it can safely wade through, known as the wading depth. For hatchbacks and sedans, this is usually around 300mm. SUVs can go slightly deeper (up to 500–600mm), but even then, caution is key. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website for accurate information.
Maintain a steady speed
If you absolutely must cross a waterlogged area, do so at a steady, slow pace in first gear, keeping the engine revs up. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, which can splash water into the engine bay or cause loss of control.
Turn off the AC
Switching off your AC helps reduce the load on the engine. Also, keep the windows slightly open to prevent fogging and ensure visibility.
Avoid cranking a submerged engine
If your car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it immediately. Starting a waterlogged engine can cause permanent internal damage. Instead, call for roadside assistance or a towing service.
Use hazard lights and fog lamps
Visibility during heavy rain or in low-lying flooded areas can drop drastically. Turn on your fog lamps and hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others.
Dry your brakes after exiting water
After you cross a flooded road, lightly tap the brake pedal while driving slowly. This helps dry the brake pads and restores braking efficiency.
Keep tyres properly inflated
Under-inflated tyres increase the risk of aquaplaning, where the car loses traction and control on wet surfaces. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth and correct pressure before heading out.
Get monsoon-proof accessories
Use rubber floor mats, waterproof car seat covers, and door visors to protect your interiors from muddy water and moisture. A car body cover can protect the exterior if you park in open areas.
Service and inspect electrical systems
Moisture can cause major issues in the car's electrical systems, especially in older vehicles. Ensure your battery, wiring, fuses, and lights are in top shape. Anti-rust coating for underbody protection is also advisable.
Additionally, it is always useful to have a working GPS and an emergency contact app on your mobile device. This helps you find alternative routes and connect to assistance quickly if you get stranded. Stay safe, drive smart and tackle flooded routes responsibly!
Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.
First Published Date:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
What's Hitting the Road this Month: Upcoming Car Launches in June 2025
We are almost halfway through the year and the first half of the year saw some amazing launches from powerful SUVs and hatchbacks to EVs. June is also an exciting month, though there are not many launches, the few that are lined up are truly exciting and worth the wait. Here's a list of all the cars launching in June 2025 so that Indian consumers can stay informed. Tata Harrier EV Tata Harrier EV is undoubtedly the most anticipated car of the year. With many car enthusiasts looking forward to the launch of this car, it has finally entered the market with a bang. Launched in India on June 3, 2025, marks a significant addition to Tata Motor's electric vehicle lineup. This mid-size electric SUV combines robust performance, advanced technology, and premium features, positioning itself as a great contender in the electric SUV segment. The car gets an amazing infotainment system that boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tata Harrier EV is priced between Rs21.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model and top variants priced up to Rs30 lakh. Key Features and Specs Battery Capacity - Available with 65 kWh and 75 kWh LFP battery packs. Range – Offers a range of up to 627 km on a single charge Power and Torque - 300–320 PS and 500–550 Nm Mercedes-AMG G 63 Collector's Edition Mercedes is all set to launch its limited-edition SUV this month. This special edition blends the G-Class's iconic design with exclusive India-inspired elements. Mechanically this car doesn't get many changes compared to the standard car but the exterior and interior get some minor changes like a different colour theme and some changes to the seat upholstery and materials used inside. The estimated price of this SUV is around Rs 3.6crore to 4 crore. Features and Specs Engine – 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo with a 48V mild-hybrid system Power: 577 bhp + 20 bhp from the mild-hybrid boost Torque: 850 Nm. Transmission: 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters Mercedes-AMG GT 63 And GT Pro For all the Mercedes lovers, there's great news as Mercedes will launch yet another car this month. The automaker is planning to launch the new AMG GT with the GT 63 S E Performance and the GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+. These high-performance vehicles blend cutting-edge hybrid technology with track-ready engineering, setting new benchmarks in the grand tourer segment. Prices are expected to fall under the range of Rs 2.8–Rs3.5 crore. Features and Specs Engine – Plug-in hybrid that seamlessly blends a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a rear-mounted electric motor. Power and Torque (GT 63): 585 hp and 800 Nm Power and Torque (GT Pro): 612hp and 850Nm Acceleration: 0–60 mph in 2.7 seconds June 2025 may not be packed with a wide range of launches, but it surely has power-packed cars lined up. With a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and technology, these new launches in India are set to redefine the driving experience.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Suzuki Motor Halts Swift Production Amid China's Rare Earth Curb: Sources
Tokyo: Suzuki Motor had suspended production of its Swift car due to China's rare earth restrictions, two sources familiar with the matter said, becoming the first Japanese automaker to be affected by the export curb. The Japanese automaker had announced the planned production stoppage of the Swift subcompact, excluding the Swift Sport model, from May 26 through June 6 citing a shortage of components. It did not elaborate beyond that and a spokesperson said the company had no comment on the reason for the suspension, which was first reported by the Nikkei business daily. China's decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets has upended the supply chains central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world. Some European auto parts plants have also suspended output and Mercedes-Benz is considering ways to protect against shortages of rare earths. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business Standard
EU warns China's rare earth export curbs may trigger supply crisis
The European Union has raised urgent concerns with China over its tightened export restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets, warning of a potential supply crisis that could cripple industrial output across the bloc. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic pressed Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on the issue during talks in Paris this week, calling the situation 'extremely disruptive' and 'alarming' for key sectors, especially automotive manufacturing. 'Rare earths and permanent magnets are absolutely essential for industrial production — from cars to washing machines,' Šefcovic said on Wednesday. 'If the issue isn't addressed, there could be huge production difficulties in a short period of time.' China's response to Trump tariffs affects global partners China, which supplies nearly 90 per cent of the world's rare earths, imposed export controls in April following the latest round of reciprocal tariffs from US President Donald Trump. The curbs now require export licences for seven rare earth elements, including dysprosium, gadolinium, and terbium, along with several rare earth magnets. Although initially aimed at the US, the restrictions affect all of China's trading partners. The move has prompted EU governments, business chambers, and automakers to seek an urgent resolution. Šefcovic said the EU and China compared data on licence applications and approvals, but discrepancies were found. The EU will now share company-provided figures with Beijing in an effort to clarify the mismatch. Automotive sector fears repeat of chip crisis European carmakers are already feeling the effects. Mercedes-Benz is in talks with suppliers to secure short-term stocks, while BMW has reported supply disruptions, according to Bloomberg. The shortages are drawing comparisons to the global chip crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted production lines worldwide. Rare earths deepen EU-China trade rift The rare earth row adds to mounting EU-China trade tensions. This week, EU members voted to exclude Chinese firms from its medical procurement market, citing Beijing's refusal to reciprocate. The EU also plans to impose a €2 levy on small parcels from Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein, in an effort to curb the influx of cheap imports. Beijing has accused the bloc of discriminatory treatment. In response to supply concerns, the European Commission has announced 13 overseas projects to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths. These include mining and processing ventures in Malawi, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and New Caledonia. ALSO READ | Dialogue continues despite trade friction Despite rising tensions, both sides have pledged to maintain dialogue on rare earths. The EU imported 6,000 tonnes of rare earths from China in 2024, representing 46.3 per cent of its total rare earth imports. 'We want to find a pragmatic solution — fast,' Šefcovic said, emphasising the urgency of resolving the dispute.
