You turn a corner after heavy rain and suddenly the street ahead looks like a shallow river.

Other cars creep through slowly, but you hesitate. Should you try it, or turn around?

Driving through water can be intimidating, and for good reason—do it wrong, and you risk stalling, damaging your engine, or worse. But with the right techniques, you can handle waterlogged roads more safely and avoid unnecessary repair bills.

<h3>Assess Before You Enter</h3>

The first decision is whether to go in at all. Not all flooded roads are worth the risk. Step out if safe and check the depth—generally, if water reaches above your wheel hubs, it's too deep for most cars. Watch other vehicles go through to gauge the situation, but don't blindly follow. It's better to wait or turn around than risk your engine.

<h3>Keep a Steady Pace</h3>

Once you decide to enter, the key is consistency. Drive slowly—around 3 to 5 mph—so you create a gentle bow wave in front of your car. This wave helps keep water away from your engine bay and air intake. Speeding through splashes water into sensitive components, while stopping in the middle risks stalling. Think smooth and steady, like gliding, not charging.

<h3>Stick to the Shallow Path</h3>

Flooded roads often have uneven surfaces, with deeper pools near the center. If possible, drive in the tire tracks left by vehicles before you. These tracks tend to be slightly shallower. Stay alert for hidden obstacles—potholes, debris, or open manholes can be masked by the water. Keep both hands firm on the wheel in case the current tugs your car.

<h3>Avoid Gear Changes Midway</h3>

Shifting gears while in water can cause hesitation or stalls. For manuals, enter in first or second gear and hold it steady. For automatics, select a low gear if available. The goal is to keep engine revs slightly higher than usual, which helps prevent water from flowing back into the exhaust.

<h3>Dry Your Brakes Afterwards</h3>

Even if you get through safely, your brakes won't work at full strength when wet. Once you exit the water, gently press the brake pedal a few times while driving slowly. This helps heat and dry the brake pads, restoring stopping power. Skipping this step can leave you with reduced control at the worst moment.

<h3>Three Habits That Keep You Safer</h3>

<b>Carry a basic emergency kit:</b> A tow rope, flashlight, and first-aid kit can make breakdowns less stressful.

<b>Check your insurance coverage:</b> Some policies don't cover water damage, so know your limits before the rainy season.

<b>Service your car regularly:</b> Fresh seals, filters, and fluids are more resilient against water intrusion.

<h3>What Not to Do</h3>

Never drive fast into standing water—it can cause hydroplaning or splash water into your engine intake. Don't restart your car if it stalls mid-water; cranking the engine can draw water in, leading to severe damage. Instead, push the car out if it's safe or call for assistance.

<h3>The Confidence That Comes With Preparation</h3>

Driving through flooded streets isn't something anyone enjoys, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Knowing how to assess, approach, and recover gives you <b>less stress</b> in unexpected weather, <b>more control</b> behind the wheel, and <b>better protection</b> for your car.

The next time you face a waterlogged stretch of road, remember: slow and steady wins here. Respect the limits of your vehicle, stay calm, and treat each flooded road as a test of patience, not speed. Your car—and your wallet—will thank you later.