National water agency ( PUB), a monsoon surge forecast for Singapore starting on Friday ( Jan 10 ), has issued a warning about flash floods that could occur over the course of four days.  ,
In the final two weeks of 2024, there were already instances of flood as a result of heavy rain, with images of cars waving through the water.  ,
What should you do if a flash storm hits your car? Are there security standards for travellers and community cars?
CNA examines some health advice as well as transportation operator recommendations.
If I travel through floods?
Avoid driving over waters as much as you can.  , As a general rule, do not attempt to drive through water deeper than 15cm ( 6 inches ), or above kerb height.
Pushing through storms poses a number of risks, including the possibility of engine stalls.
” If water enters the website through the consumption or air filter, it may cause the engine to acquire, possibly resulting in severe damage”, said Mr Wong Che Wey, local specialized training manager of Motul Asia Pacific,  , which manufactures products for engines.
Waters may also affect a vehicle’s devices, he said, adding that power devices mounted on a car’s floor panels are the most vulnerable when water enters the room.  ,
According to Mr. Jake Ler, the chief marketing officer of Motorist, vehicles were “aquaplaning” when traveling through floodwaters.  ,
This is when rubber lose momentum on a damp surface, leading to a loss of control, he explained.  ,
” Also, hidden dangers such as holes, dust or uneven road surfaces submerged in the water can cause unforeseen damage or mishaps”, Mr Ler said.
What if I can’t find an alternative route?
If an alternative route isn’t possible and the road appears passable, drivers should carefully evaluate the situation.
According to Mr. Ler, motorists should take into account the depth of the water and the type of vehicle they drive. He also argues that some vehicles, like an SUV, might be better suited to traversing the waters than a low-slung sedan.  ,
Drivers should engage their low gear, drive slowly and steadily, and avoid sudden braking in the middle of the flood, according to Mr. Wong.  ,
He explained that” this approach helps lower the risk of losing control of the vehicle and lowers the exposure of the engine to water.”  ,
PUB advises traveling through one vehicle at a time and stay close to the middle lane as water can frequently accumulate on the side lanes.
What should I do if the car is stuck?
The driver should not restart the engine if it stalls, according to Mr. Wong, because this could add more water to the engine and increase its damage.  ,
Affected drivers should activate their hazard lights to alert other drivers, he advised, and call emergency services or a tow truck to transport their vehicle to a workshop for repairs and inspection, he continued.  ,
If the water levels keep rising, stuck drivers should immediately leave their vehicles and move to higher ground, according to Mr. Ler.  ,
” A quick and decisive response in such a situation can be the difference between a close call and a dangerous scenario,” he said.
Are electric vehicles more susceptible to faulty in a flood?  ,
Experts say electric vehicles are not at , greater risk of malfunctioning in flood conditions.
” Modern electric vehicles are built with advanced safety features, such as sealed battery packs and insulated high-voltage systems, which effectively prevent water from entering and harming critical components,” said Mr. Ler.
In addition to ensuring driver safety, many EVs have fail-safe mechanisms that automatically shut off the high-voltage system in the event of a collision or short circuit.
Mr. Wong agreed that electric vehicles are typically designed with safety features to withstand water.  ,
However, prolonged exposure to water could still pose risks and this could vary by the vehicle’s manufacturer and model, he said.  ,