Cyclone Tauktae: Tips To Take Care Of Your Car During Flood/Storm

Here are some simple tips to avoid damage to your car during these times since prevention is better than cure plus being alert and doing the right thing at the right time is also important.

Representational Image (Source: Getty Images)

Cyclone Tauktae is leaving a trail of destruction and causing damage to infrastructure plus also including many cars. During a severe cyclonic storm, vehicles are the biggest casualty as trees or walls fall on them. Here are some simple tips to avoid damage to your car during these times since prevention is better than cure plus being alert and doing the right thing at the right time is also important.

First and foremost is immediately changing the parking of your car if it's parked under a tree or next to a wall which might be old and could fall. Trees are the bigger danger to your car and try and get covered parking if possible or try and park where there are no trees. Also avoid parking in low areas, especially in basement parking where flooding is easily possible and can also damage your car. If your car is parked out in the open, do put the handbrake on since, without that, the wind force can move your car and cause damage.

A common occurrence at parking and also that can increase damage is when seeing your car immersed in water more than halfway up its wheels, is trying to fix it yourself. It is best not to try to start your car and try to dry the interior and get help. You should immediately also call your insurance company. If you must drive through flooded roads, avoid large pools of water-no matter how good the ground clearance of your SUV is. Also when going through flooded areas, try to keep moving but do not try to accelerate fast or brake fast. Use a lower gear too. If your car is stalled in a flooded area do not try to restart it immediately, best push it to a nearby area that is not flooded and get help.

Many cars get damaged due to being restarted or trying to be restarted, once water gets in. Try to gauge the level of water and do not take any unnecessary risks by trying to drive through it. If a bit of water gets in your car, it is best to remove the mats and clean them or get them dry cleaned. It is very important to get your car's interior to be dry as a damp interior can lead to a bad smell. It is also important to check the electrical systems of your car and even the tyres!