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