When is it safe to drive through flooded areas?

How do you know if it’s safe to drive your vehicle through a flooded area? The MMDA FLOOD GAUGE indicates water depth, flood measurement in inches, and road accessibility for various cars and other vehicles.

According to the guide, floodwaters that are eight to 10 inches in depth or gutter level to half knee level are still passable to all types of vehicles. When the water depth reaches 13 to 19 inches or knee level or half tire level, a road is classified as not passable to light vehicles.

Meanwhile, floodwaters reaching 26 to 45 inches or from the waist and chest level are considered not passable to all types of vehicles.

• 8 inches: Gutter deep – Passable to all types of vehicles

• 10 inches: Half-knee deep – Passable to all types of vehicles

• 13 inches: Half tire deep – Not passable to light vehicles

• 19 inches: Knee deep – Not passable to light vehicles

• 26 inches: Tire deep – Not passable to all types of vehicles

• 37 inches: Waist deep – Not passable to all types of vehicles

• 45 inches: Chest deep – Not passable to all types of vehicles

Of course, different models and vehicle classes usually come with different ride heights. SUVs and pickup trucks will obviously have differing capabilities to deal with floods compared to sedans and motorcycles, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to follow the guide so you can avoid flood damage and costly repairs to your vehicle.

Source: www.topgear.com.ph