Before entering the water logged stretch

• Never try to drive through a flooded area unless you can gauge the depth of the water and you are confident about your car passing through it. If you are not sure, do not get into it - opt for an alternate route.
• If you have to use the flooded stretch, to check its depth, wait until another vehicle (similar to your vehicle’s height) attempts to pass through the water.
• Switch off your air-conditioner before entering the flooded area to provide extra power to your engine.
• Put your window glasses slightly down while crossing the flooded area so that you can shout for help or even open the door if you get stuck.

Inside the water logged stretch

• To pass through a flooded area- engage the first gear. Tap the clutch keeping the revs high enough to ensure that the exhaust gases are pushed liberally out of the tail pipe. Do not stop revving until you cross the water logged stretch.
• Maintain a slow but steady speed. Keep a clear gap in front of your car. Don’t let your car stall since it would be very difficult to restart while you are in the water.
• Avoid changing gears while driving through the water. However, should it be absolutely necessary to change the gears, do it swiftly while revving your engine to keep the exhausts clear.
• If your car gets stalled while crossing a water logged stretch, do not attempt to restart. This may lead to water ingression inside the engine and seize or lock the engine. Under such circumstances you may lose your right to claim motor insurance without a special add-on coverage. Check your tail pipe; if it is under water, do not attempt to restart at all. Seek help from the locals to push your car out of the stretch.

After the water logged stretch:

• Immediately after getting out of the waterlogged area, in order to avoid brake failures and jamming of clutch, drive the vehicle in 1st gear - partially pressing the brake and accelerator together for a few metres. This will scrape the brakes and squeeze out the water from the discs and drums.
• Similarly, press the clutch hard several times to dry out the clutch plates. Roll the vehicle in 1st gear while softly pressing the clutch and accelerator together over a short distance.