EXPLAINER: What to do if your vehicle gets stuck in floodwaters?

Flooding caused by days of heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has submerged several vehicles, while videos showing cars being swept away by floodwaters have also gone viral.

What if it happens to you? What should you do if your vehicle is submerged in floodwaters?

Here are some tips, which are applicable to traditional vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs).

Do not try to save your vehicle

According to electric vehicle giant BYD, the driver must prioritize their own safety in such a situation. Do not attempt to save your vehicle.

Get out of the car and move to a higher place immediately. Turn off your engine immediately if your car stalls in a flood, avoid restarting it, and exit the vehicle to find safe ground.

But even if the water seems shallow, BYD highly encourages never driving through flooded roads.

Do not immediately start your engine

Do not try to ignite the engine, as some parts may still have water and may cause further damage.

BYD also advised not to open or inspect electrical components of the vehicle.

Attempting to push or move your wet vehicle is also not advisable.

Disconnect your battery

Disconnecting the battery is one way to ensure that electronic parts of your vehicle will not be damaged or at least minimize the problem.

Drain the engine oil, fluids, and gasoline and have a mechanic drain all fluids, including gasoline and engine oil.

Also get an expert’s help to check on the car’s computer box.

Avoid flooded areas

BYD advised avoiding traveling on the road during heavy rains. The car company also advised to avoid parking in low-lying areas or basement garages during storms.

The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) earlier suggested that car owners should get an estimate of the costs for the repair of the flooded vehicle.

This will help determine if it is still worth it to save your car or just buy another unit.

“It’s better to check the price of the unit when it is still new compared to the cost to repair it. Because why would you spend the same amount just for the repair? You have to be practical,” said Robert Consunji, trustee chairperson of AAP government liaison committee, in Filipino. —VAL/VBL, GMA News