What cars have the best features that help you drive through flood. Get to know ways and means to flood proof your car.
For car owners, this is the time of the year they dread, especially those in areas that are lower than sea level. Yes, it has come and flooding season has begun anew and with the usual inconveniences that come with it too! But there is a relief for car owners who want to keep their cars flood free and avoid paying for repairs that are flood related.
For those who can afford it getting cars that manage flooding better is easy, but only a few not everyone can afford it on a whim.
For car owners, this is the time of the year they dread, especially those in areas that are lower than sea level
But as a stop-gap, some modifications can be done, but that depends on what kind of car. By, far the best cars that can handle flooding are SUVs or other vehicles that have high clearance. Before modifying a vehicle for better flooding capacity, please check with a professional before doing it. Modifying any car spec within warranty period can negate the warranty altogether.
Other concerns related to flooding is what parts that can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water. These parts are the electrical and CPU system that can cause running problems and even bog down the car. The purpose of car features is minimizing flooding damage and allowing the car to keep running, without bogging. Anyway, here are some tips about what to do in case your car get flooded.
Flooded areas in Metro Manila on August 11, 2018
I. Optional mechanical upgrades to improve flood handling
The problem with low clearance cars is that a little flood can be problematic when fording it. Chances of getting bogged down are great, but these features will manage flooding better. These alterations must be referenced; before accomplishing it though, sourcing the proper modifying equipment. Here are the things that could be done to accomplish it.
- Assisters for coil springs
- Bigger tire and rims
- Stiffened suspension
- Snorkel
- Spacers
- Replacement springs
The problem with low clearance cars is that a little flood can be problematic when fording it
All these modifications can be installed in cars, but some advice is needed whether it is applicable to the intended vehicle. These features aren’t stock so major changes in ride height and comfort should be expected! The end goal which is to allow any vehicle to ford any flooded street better!
II. Installing these features when driving through flood in the Philippines
Now, Philkotse.com will give you an in-depth look at these upgrades to drive through flood better which is crucial. Just take note that all these modifications mostly based on the suspension system, so it might not violate the car warranty. But do, double check if some sensors and other sensitive under chassis components might be affected!
1. Assisters for coil springs
For cars that use coil springs, this is a space that fits snug in a coil spring. Made of polyurethane rubber to make it durable for long use and keeps suspension at a regular height. It allows more height to be added to smaller clearance cars and increase the height of taller vehicles.
For cars that use coil springs, this is a space that fits snug in a coil spring
Just check how much height can be added because it can be ill-advised to add more ride height than necessary. Fully depressed coil spring will lose height, especially on a flooded street that will be forded easily with higher height. Depending on where its placed, it will greatly affect how the coil springs retain ride height.
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2. Bigger tire and rims
This is a no brainer for most drivers but with bigger tires and rims it allows more ride height to be added. But, checking whether the tire can fit the wheel well needs to be checked though. This is a safe modification because it does not alter anything significant.
This is a no brainer for most drivers but with bigger tires and rims it allows more ride height to be added
3. Stiffened suspension
This is one of the best ways to improve clearance and suspension upgrade packages can opt for most cars. The advantages they offer is adjustability options to control how the suspension works in specific instances. The stiffer suspension will benefit cars on flooded roads with potholes, to keep the ride height regular.
This is one of the best ways to improve clearance and suspension upgrade packages can opt for most cars
For most premium suspension upgrades it can be adjusted on the go, but the budget option doesn’t have this utility. Stiffen suspension can be used for most vehicles but it’s better to check first, whether it’s fully applicable for a specific car.
Here is a checklist to do a quick inspection if your car suspension is ready for rainy season.
4. Snorkel
It allows any truck to breathe even if the car is underwater, which is very advantageous for flooded streets. But, it isn’t fool-proof a solution because some condition should be noted when installing it. Also, a snorkel can only be installed in a truck or SUV, not a car!
It is best to know what is the wading depth of the vehicle which is important to keep the car parts from severe water damage. Wading depths of five-hundred to eight-hundred millimeters, it means the one with deeper wading depth can optimize the snorkel better.
It allows any truck to breathe even if the car is underwater, which is very advantageous for flooded streets
It is best not to attempt driving through flood higher than wading depth because it can seriously damage the alternator and other electronic systems if not properly sealed. If a vehicle that has a snorkel has no wading depth rating, it’s best not to go in too deep.
5. Spacer lift kit
What spacer lift kits do is increase the ride height and clearance for a lower cost because it is added to the present components. The stock springs and shocks don’t need replacement to carry out modification, so this is a safe mod to do. Typically, the spacers are placed on the top or bottom of the springs that increase the distance of the axle and frame quite a bit.
What spacer lift kits do is increase the ride height and clearance for a lower cost because it is added to the present components
Variations of one to four inches are optional, but it does vary accordingly. Sometimes there would be replacement shocks that come with the spacers for longer length. This means a boost in ride height and clearance, but checking for application in cars should be done.
6. Replacement lifter springs
Another practical way to increase clearance or ride height is installing replacement springs that don’t require any extra purchase of extra equipment. Lifter springs will use longer springs than the stock springs used in any vehicle. These kits come for the front only or the rear, but getting front or rear springs would be much better. Just check what is the best lifter spring height that should be installed in the car. The heights that could be used for lifter springs are two, four, and six inches or more.
Just check what is the best lifter spring height that should be installed in the car
III. Driving through flood in the Philippines: Conclusion
Every year when streets start to have flash floods and floods, having features that help drive through flood will be a benefit. Please take note that these modifications are mostly mechanical but check the auto warranty before making significant mods. Installing lifters and other equipment that does not need significant alteration is still the best options. Raising the clearance and ride height will help in fording streets better!
Every year when streets start to have flash floods and floods, having features that help drive through flood will be a benefit
>>> Read more useful car tips and advice on Philkotse.com
