Breakdown cover

Flood warning in your area? Then follow our driving guide .

2007 has been an infamous year for flooding. From northern England to the Severn estuary - and many points in between - serious flooding and torrential rain have highlighted the need for caution and care when the heaven's open.

Being caught in any sort of flood can be a scary experience. You need to take special care if you are caught in one while driving: fast flowing water is unbelievably powerful and can wash away the biggest vehicles.

Follow our guide and you won't find yourself stranded and your car undriveable.

• ONLY drive in flood conditions if your journey is absolutely necessary.
• Make sure you have breakdown assistance.
• Plan your journey to avoid flooded areas and make sure you allow plenty of time.
  • Listen to local media broadcasts or call RAC's Traffic and Travel Service from a land line on 0906 470 1740 or 1740 from any mobile phone.
• Take spare dry clothing, food, flask and if you have a mobile phone, make sure you have the telephone number for contacting breakdown assistance.
• NEVER attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of the depth.
• Remember that many vehicles will float in just two feet of water.
• Remember that with some vehicles, water may only need to be a few inches deep to cause damage.
• Check how high off the ground your air intake is.
  • Serious engine damage may occur if water is sucked into the engine and that means a breakdown.
  • Most air intakes are at the bottom of the engine and only a few inches off the ground.
  • Check with the manufacturer what depth your car can cope with.
• Protect your exhaust system.
  • A modern catalytic converter works at high temperatures and may suffer thermal shock and crack if submerged in cold water - and they're expensive!
• Try to drive along the highest section of a flooded road if it is safe to do so.
• Apply some clutch so you can drive with higher engine revs.
  • Exhaust gas pressure will prevent any water sluicing into the exhaust system.
  • If you have a 4x4 with a low ratio gearbox, use it!
• Drive slowly through water.
  • This minimises the bow wave, protects your engine from breakdown and won't splash other road users or pedestrians.
• Do not stop in flood water - keep going until you are clear.
  • If you are stranded, call your breakdown company immediately for advice.
• Do not drive through flood water if a vehicle is approaching you in the opposite direction.
  • Go through one at a time.
• Drive cautiously and DO test your brakes thoroughly after leaving the flood water.
  • This removes any film of water between the pad and the brake disk.

If your car is flood damaged, here's what you do:

• Do not turn on the ignition if water has entered the passenger compartment.
  • Airbags may deploy because of water in the electrical system.
  • Even without airbags, you may short-circuit the electrical system.
  • Have your car professionally checked.
• Have your car professionally checked if it has been through deep water even if your carpets are dry and there's no evidence of water inside.
  • The braking system may have been affected.
• Have your car professionally checked if has been in deep water for some time.
  • Water may have affected the brakes, engine or electrical system.
  • Contact your car insurance company immediately.