9 Safety Tips to Protect Your Car During Floods in Lagos. article content
Lagos is beating you 1-0 the morning you wake up to find your vehicle submerged in floodwater. The rain no send your papa.
Yet rather than drawing an equalizer, you convince yourself to start the engine and drive out of the water. Ladies and gentlemen, that single decision could be the beginning of a series of non-stop workshop visits.
In flood-prone areas such as Lekki, Ajah, Ikeja, and Ikotun, just one downpour is all it takes for motorists to go from having a fully functioning vehicle to a money-draining nightmare.
In this article, you'll learn practical car care tips to protect your vehicle and avoid costly repairs, throughout Lagos' rainy season.
1. Never Drive Through Deep Floodwater.
If the water looks deeper than the bottom of your car doors or reaches your wheel hubs, avoid driving through it. Driving into deep water increases the risk of:
• Engine hydro-lock
• Transmission damage
• Electrical failure
• Brake failure
• Water-contaminated engine oil
• Rust underneath the vehicle
• Wet cabin and mold growth
The best course of action is to wait for the water to reduce or consider another route.
2. If You Must Drive Through Flood Water, Go Slowly.
Sometimes avoiding water isn’t possible but if the flood is shallow enough to cross safely:
• Drive at a slow, steady speed
• Stay in a low gear
• Avoid sudden acceleration
• Avoid stopping in floodwaters
• Park on high ground
Driving slowly creates a small wave which reduces the chances of water entering the engine. Avoid following large trucks too closely, they create waves that may splash water into your engine.
3. Turn Off the Air Conditioner While Crossing Deep Water.
Air conditioning systems use belts and electrical parts that are vulnerable to water. Turning off the AC while driving through flooded roads will lower the load on the engine and decrease the chances of any water-related problems. Once you’ve reached dry ground, you can safely switch it back on.
4. Disconnect the Battery.
Floodwater can cause short circuits and damage sensitive electrical systems. If your vehicle has been submerged in floodwater, disconnect the battery first before carrying out any inspection provided it is safe to do so. If you're not familiar with disconnecting a car battery, have the vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic who can inspect it safely.
5. Check The Engine Oil Immediately After Driving Through Floodwater.
Water contamination can quickly ruin engine oil. After driving through flood-prone areas:
• Park on flat ground
• Switch off the engine and let it cool for a few minutes
• Check the oil dipstick
• Check the oil for a milky or creamy appearance
Clean engine oil should be amber or dark brown. Milky oil usually indicates water contamination
6. Check the Air Filter.
Your air filter protects the engine from dirt and water. A soaked air filter:
• Restricts airflow
• Reduces engine performance
• Allows moisture into the engine
If the air filter feels damp or muddy after heavy rain, replace it immediately.
7. Check the Electrical Components.
Modern cars are heavily dependent on electronics. After driving on flooded roads, check:
Headlights
Brake lights
Indicators
Dashboard warning lights
Horn
Power windows
Central locking
Battery terminals
Any odd electrical fault requires a professional car checkup as soon as possible, issues may appear days after water exposure.
8. Schedule a Professional Vehicle Inspection.
Finding problems early can save you significant repair costs later. A professional inspection should include:
• Engine diagnostics
• Oil and fluid inspection
• Brake inspection
• Suspension check
• Electrical system testing
• Undercarriage inspection
• Air filter inspection
Regular car care is far cheaper than replacing major engine parts.
9. Request towing services if the car is heavily flooded or refuses to start.
Never restart a vehicle that has stalled in floodwater. If your car stalls after entering floodwater:
• Do not turn the ignition on again.
• Push or tow the vehicle to safety.
• Contact a qualified mechanic.
Restarting the engine may pull water into the cylinders, causing hydro-lock; a severe type of engine damage that may require a complete engine rebuild or replacement depending on the damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Flood in Lagos.
Starting the engine immediately after flooding: Water inside the engine can cause devastating damage.
Speeding through floodwater: Fast driving creates waves that push water into sensitive engine components.
Ignoring dashboard warning lights: Dashboard warning lights should never be ignored after driving through floodwater.
Leaving the AC on: Your AC fan can draw floodwater into engine parts and the radiator, leading to severe damage or overheating.
Skipping oil checks: Floodwater may contaminate engine oil without obvious signs.
Delaying vehicle inspection: Small problems may aggravate into costly repairs when left untreated. If you ignore the signs, you will see wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can floodwater damage my engine?
Yes. Water entering the engine can cause hydro-lock, one of the most expensive types of engine damage.
• Why is flooding dangerous for cars?
Floodwater isn’t just dirty water, it contains mud, sewage, oil, chemicals, and debris that can damage important parts of your vehicle.
• Should I drive through flooded roads if other cars are doing it?
No. Different vehicles have different ground clearances and water intake heights. Another vehicle making it through safely doesn’t guarantee yours will.
• How do I know if floodwater entered my engine?
Common signs include:
• Engine stalling
• Difficulty starting
• Milky engine oil
• Unusual engine noises
• Warning lights
Stop driving and have the vehicle inspected immediately.
• How soon should I inspect my car after driving through floodwater?
As soon as possible. Early detection helps prevent long-term damage to your engine, brakes, and electrical system.
• Is flood damage covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance policy. Comprehensive Auto Insurance often covers flood damage, while third-party insurance usually does not. Check your policy details before the rainy season.
• What do I do when my vehicle has suffered flood damage?
If you suspect your vehicle has suffered flood damage, there’s no need to panic. Find a trusted mechanic to run a car inspection and check how badly the car was affected.
Sign up on Whipcare now to book your next car inspection and maintenance at your convenience. Live comfortably and leave your car care to us no matter the weather.
