Do not try to start the engine when the car is stalled in a flooded area
This is the most important note for motorcyclists. If the vehicle suddenly stalls while moving through a flooded area, the driver should not try to restart.
Honda Vietnam recommends that when a car stalls due to flooding, attempting to start can cause water to get into the cylinder, increasing the risk of a curved shaft. Yamaha Motor Vietnam also notes not to automatically restart when suspecting water has entered the combustion chamber, as it can cause water damage and damage the engine.
Instead, the driver should push the car out of the flooded area and take it to a dry place. If the car is deeply flooded or stalled, checking at a repair facility is a safer option instead of trying to handle it to continue the journey.
Check engine oil after the car passes through flooded areas
Even if the car does not stall, engine oil is still an item that needs to be checked after going through deep water.
According to Honda Vietnam, if engine oil is infiltrated by water, the oil color may change, for example, turning milky white. When this sign is detected, it is necessary to rinse the engine and replace with new oil. For scooters, car owners also need to pay attention to checking the final powertrain oil if the car has ever traveled through flooded areas.
Yamaha Motor Vietnam also recommends that users check and change the oil when the car passes through flooded areas, because water may mix into the oil, affecting the lubrication capacity of the engine.
Check air filters, spark plugs and electrical system
After the car is watery, air filters and spark plugs are parts that need attention, especially if the car shows signs of being difficult to start, running out of gas or operating unstablely.
Water can also affect electrical connections, sensors and ignition systems. If the car appears to be flickering, difficult to start, or has unusual noises after passing through flooded areas, the car owner should take the car to a specialized facility for inspection instead of continuing to use it.
Yamaha said that signs such as sudden engine failure, difficulty starting, discoloration of oil or the appearance of abnormal noise may be related to the car getting wet.
Run slowly, keep your distance when it rains
Not only is there the risk of flooding, slippery roads and limited visibility also make riding motorbikes in the rain more dangerous. The Traffic Police Department recommends that traffic participants reduce speed and increase safe distance when the road is slippery or the weather is bad.
When encountering a deeply flooded road section, drivers need to consider the possibility of overtaking instead of trying to continue. Rapid water flow or areas where the road surface condition cannot be clearly observed are potentially risky.
Proactive maintenance during the rainy season
Honda Vietnam recommends that vehicles used in the rainy season need to be checked and maintained more often than the standard schedule. Checking and repair operations should be carried out at a suitable service establishment if users do not have sufficient knowledge and technical tools.
For vehicles that regularly have to move in flooded conditions, early inspection after each flood or sign of abnormality will help limit the risk of major damage and ensure more stable vehicle operation.
