Heavy rain and flooding can create serious challenges for drivers. From standing water and road debris to mud and contaminants left behind after a storm, your vehicle can take a beating when severe weather moves through.
While you can't control the weather, you can take a few steps to help protect your car before, during, and after a flood. When heavy rain and flooding hit, your safety comes first. There are also a few simple things you can do to help protect your car before and after the rain.
1. Never Drive Through Floodwater
The most important thing you can do for your vehicle is also the simplest: don't drive through flooded roads.
Floodwater can be deeper than it appears, and moving water can be powerful enough to move vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find another route.
Don't drive around barricades, either. A flooded road may have damage underneath the water that isn't visible from the driver's seat.
If you're unsure whether a road is safe, find another route and wait for conditions to improve.
2. Park Somewhere Safe When Severe Weather Is Coming
If flooding is expected, consider where your vehicle is parked before the rain arrives.
When possible, park your car somewhere away from areas that commonly collect water, such as low-lying roads, drainage areas and flood-prone parking lots. If you have access to a garage or another elevated location, moving your vehicle there can help reduce the chance of it sitting in floodwater.
Also be mindful of other storm hazards. Heavy rain can be accompanied by wind, falling branches and debris that can damage your vehicle even when flooding isn't an issue.
3. Check Your Sunroof Drains
Here's one piece of rain preparation many drivers don't think about: your sunroof drains.
If you have a sunroof, there are drainage channels designed to direct water away from the cabin. Leaves and other debris can clog those drains, potentially allowing water to back up and find its way inside your vehicle during heavy rain.
Before a major storm, check your owner's manual to find the location of your sunroof drains and learn how your vehicle manufacturer recommends keeping them clear.
It's a small maintenance step that can help prevent a much bigger headache.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Windshield
Rain can make visibility challenging, particularly at night when headlights reflect off a wet windshield.
Before severe weather arrives, make sure your windshield is clean on both sides. Interior buildup can create additional glare and make it harder to see through heavy rain.
If your windshield has a film or residue that doesn't come off with normal cleaning, it may be worth giving the glass some extra attention.
5. Check Your Car After Heavy Rain
Once the weather clears and it is safe to travel, take a few minutes to look over your vehicle.
Check for:
Mud or debris around the wheels and undercarriage
Leaves and debris around the windshield and hood
Standing water inside the vehicle
Damage from branches or other debris
Changes in how the vehicle drives or brakes
If your vehicle has been exposed to significant floodwater, don't assume it is safe simply because it starts. Floodwater can affect mechanical and electrical components, and a professional inspection may be necessary.
6. Wash Away Mud and Road Grime
After heavy rain, your car can be covered in more than just water.
Storm runoff can leave behind mud, dirt and other contaminants on your vehicle's exterior. Once it's safe to do so, give your vehicle a thorough wash to remove the grime left behind by the storm.
A clean exterior also makes it easier to spot scratches, chips, dents or other damage that may have occurred during severe weather.
7. Don't Forget the Wheels and Undercarriage
Your tires and wheels are among the areas most exposed to water, mud and road debris.
When cleaning your vehicle after a storm, pay attention to the wheels and lower portions of the vehicle where mud and debris can accumulate.
If you notice something unusual underneath your vehicle after driving through severe weather, have it inspected rather than assuming a wash will resolve the issue.
8. Know When a Car Wash Isn't Enough
A wash can help remove the dirt and grime left behind by a storm, but it can't repair flood damage.
If your vehicle was submerged or exposed to significant floodwater, contact your insurance company and a qualified automotive professional to determine the appropriate next steps.
For electric and hybrid vehicles, extra caution is important after flooding. Follow your manufacturer's guidance and contact a qualified professional if you suspect battery damage.
Keep Your Car Clean After the Storm
Severe weather doesn't always mean your car has to stay dirty for long. Once roads are safe and the storm has passed, a trip through ZIPS Car Wash can help remove the mud, dirt and road grime that heavy rain leaves behind.
The most important thing during flooding, though, is safety. If water is covering the road, turn around and find another route. Your car isn't worth the risk.
For more car care tips, visit the ZIPS Car Wash blog.