Driving Through Floodwater: What to Do (and Not Do)
Melbourne’s flash floods catch drivers out every year. A Cranbourne West specialist explains how to stay safe and what to do if you’ve driven through water.
The golden rule
If it’s flooded, forget it — you can’t tell the depth or whether the road has washed away, and as little as 15–30 cm of moving water can float or sweep a car. Water sucked into the engine (“hydrolock”) causes catastrophic, expensive damage.
Turning around is always cheaper than a flooded engine or a water rescue.
If you’ve driven through water
If you’ve been through deeper water, don’t keep driving if the engine sounds odd or warning lights appear — and don’t restart a stalled engine that may have ingested water. Water can also contaminate oil, brakes and electronics over the following days.
Get it checked: we inspect the air intake, oil, brakes, wheel bearings and electrics for water damage so a small soak doesn’t become a big bill.
We’ll take care of it
Prefer to leave it to a specialist? We look after all of this as part of a service or a quick check — with honest advice on what your car actually needs, not what sells.
Book online in 60 seconds or call a Cranbourne West specialist on 03 8782 0711.
Driving Through Floodwater: What to Do (and Not Do) — FAQ
No — you can’t judge depth or road damage, and even shallow moving water can sweep a car. Turn around.
Water sucked into the engine, which can cause catastrophic internal damage — never restart a stalled engine that may have ingested water.
Get it checked — water can contaminate oil, brakes, bearings and electronics over the following days.
Yes — we inspect the intake, oil, brakes, bearings and electrics.
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