Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site pertec.UUCP Path: utzoo!decvax!tektronix!hplabs!pesnta!pertec!kitten From: kitten@pertec.UUCP (karen hettinger) Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: driving through black-top rivers Message-ID: <275@pertec.UUCP> Date: Thu, 27-Dec-84 22:26:18 EST Article-I.D.: pertec.275 Posted: Thu Dec 27 22:26:18 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 28-Dec-84 14:10:53 EST Distribution: net Organization: Pertec Computer Corp., Irvine, CA Lines: 36 Southern California is being soaked by yet another winter storm, and I thought it might be a good time to offer tips on how to drive safely through standing water. Standing water meaning 1/2-3 or 4 feet of water, standing or flowing. I got to drive through the above going home from work today. In some places, the entire 1 or 2 right lanes were completely flooded. I was making a wake sometimes taller than my car! Some of the things I did was: 1. If you have rear drum brakes, it is a good idea to keep a *light* foot on the brake pedal to keep squeezing water off the lining. NOTE: I mean LEFT foot on the pedal. DO NOT do this unless you are experienced at left foot braking. This should only be practiced in dry weather in a safe deserted place. 2. If you drive a manual 4 or 5 speed, stay in third. The engine brake gives you more traction and braking power, and more general control of the car. 3. If you are driving through water deep enough to splash your spark plug wires (at BOTH the engine or distributor), and you have a manual, coast whenever possible and keep your revvs high. This will give the engine momentum to continue turning over if it looses spark in one cylinder. 4. When you are passing someone without splashguards, especially large trucks, remember, you are driving through their wake. You may temporarily loose traction through hydroplaning. Keep it in mind as you pass. Also with large trucks, their wake will probably splash your windshield, possibly blinding you for a moment. Turning the wipers up may be a good idea before passing. As you can see, there are several things you can do to protect yourself if you drive a car with a manual transmission. It's something to think about if you are buying a car and live in a rainy area. -- kitten~ {ucbvax!unisoft | scgvaxd | trwrb | felix}!pertec!kitten