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From: jeepcj2a@fluke.UUCP (Dale Chaudiere)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: driving through black-top rivers
Message-ID: <846@vax1.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 2-Jan-85 13:19:02 EST
Article-I.D.: vax1.846
Posted: Wed Jan  2 13:19:02 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 4-Jan-85 07:58:34 EST
References: <275@pertec.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Lines: 60

> 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

That sounds a little deep (1/2-3, 4 feet).  Come on, I have driven a four-
wheel drive jeep for ten years now, through water, mud, and snow.  2 feet
of standing water is about max. for a stock 4-wheel drive (no lift kit and
engine not completely waterproof).  A Mercedes Unimog can negotiate 4 feet
of standing water.  It has 14 inches of ground clearance at the lowest point
and runs a waterproof engine with a snorkel on the air intake.

Your tips are good.  Here's a few more:

  When coming upon water on the road, enter with a speed that will not
  splash water up into the grill  (the fan will pull it onto the engine
  electrical system).

  Do not attempt to shift a manual transmission when in deep water the
  clutch may get so wet you can not move.

  If you have a car equipped with an electric radiator fan, consider
  installing a cut out switch to override the fan when entering deep
  water.

  If you ever do stall out in standing water, check to see if the water
  level is up to the wheel hubs or drivelines.  You may need to check
  the axles for water contamination  (very costly if left).