The Dangers of Driving Across Flooded Roads

by Ben Affleck Student/Freelancer

When encountering an area that is flooded due to heavy rain, many people wonder if they are able to drive through it safely. In this article, we will outline a few of the reasons that the possibility of continuing is not worth the risk to drivers or their vehicles.

Many people might be shocked to discover that it only takes 30 centimeters of water to float an average car. Once the car starts floating, it will follow the path of the water—potentially into a river, post, building or even under a bridge or a structure where it can get wedged as the current pushes against the windows and doors. Worse still, most cars that have to be rescued from a scenario like this are written off by insurance companies, placing the financial burden on the car owner.

Unfortunately, many people overestimate their safety in deep water if they are in a larger vehicle such as an SUV. However, a large number of SUVs do not have four-wheel drive and are still too low to the ground to cross a flooded area.

If you absolutely cannot avoid overcoming a low level of water in the road, it is crucial to confirm that it is standing water and not flowing water. Putting the vehicle in second gear and going slowly will keep the car from stalling or water from flooding the interior. Do not change gears, or water could get into the clutch and damage the car, and keep the gas on to stop water from entering the exhaust pipe. Following other cars once they cross safely is also essential, as there could be underwater hazards or deeper sections that are not visible

Exporting Flood-Damaged Vehicles from Japan

Partly due to the rising overconfidence of drivers as well as natural disasters, flood-damaged vehicles (including tsunami-damaged vehicles) have recently become a major export from Japan. Exporters claim that they are exporting these vehicles for the purpose of spare parts. In reality, that is not the case. Importers can get these water-damaged cars at a very low price because they cannot be sold in Japan. However, once the vehicles are overseas, importers repair and resell them in their market and make a large profit. On the surface, there is nothing wrong with repairing the car and reselling it, but modern cars have computer and digital functions and smart technology and they cannot be 100 percent accurately repaired. This poses a major risk to the safety of the passengers. In case something goes wrong, the lives of innocent people can be lost. Dealing in such cars should be studiously avoided.

To stop this rise in water-damaged vehicles, crossing flooded areas should be avoided if at all possible—both for the sake of drivers as well as their vehicles.

Gazooba does not deal in water-damaged or flood-damaged cars. We take pride in dealing with high-quality vehicles in mint condition and at very reasonable prices. Since top quality cars can be purchased through the right exporter at an inexpensive price, there is no need to risk the lives of others for the sake of money

Feel free to contact www.gazooba.jp or contact us at: info@gazooba.jp for all your automotive needs from Japan.