Last night's floods will have left thousands of vehicles affected by water and turning on the ignition could cause further extensive and costly damage, warns motoring organisation RAC.
Last night's floods will have left thousands of vehicles affected by water and turning on the ignition could cause further extensive and costly damage, warns motoring organisation RAC.
"Modern vehicles are full of electrical and electronic systems which are adversely affected by water," said RAC patrol of the year Jason Burrell.
"Water damage can lead to expensive repair costs and future unexpected failure. We would advise motorists to get their vehicle professionally checked as soon as possible."
If your vehicle has been standing in floodwater, depending on the level of the water, the following precautions should be taken:
- If the level of flooding has entered the foot wells (wet carpets) and the vehicle is fitted with an airbag, do not turn the ignition on. It is important to have the vehicle professionally examined
- If the vehicle is not fitted with airbags, there may still be a risk of electrical short circuit that can cause further damage to your vehicle. Again, do not turn the ignition on and have the vehicle professionally examined
- For vehicles where flooding has not entered the foot wells (dry carpets) the braking system of your vehicle may have been affected
- If your vehicle has been stood in the flooded area for any prolonged period contact your local dealer for further advice
- If your vehicle has only been in a flood for a short period and no water has entered the vehicle, drive with extreme caution and take the vehicle to be checked at the earliest opportunity
- If your vehicle cuts out after driving through deep water, do not attempt to restart it as engine damage may occur, instead call for assistance and have the vehicle professionally examined.
To join RAC contact 0800 550 550 or visit www.rac.co.uk.
For more motoring advice visit the car care section of www.rac.co.uk.
-ends-
For more information please contact:
Tamsin Johnston
RAC Rescue PR Manager
Tel: 01922 727434
Mob: 07860 414007
Tessa Richardson
RAC Media Relations Executive
Tel: 020 8917 2742
Mob: 07860 633 656
Notes to editors:
About Norwich Union Insurance
- Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 14 per cent
- With a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses, Norwich Union insures:
- One in five households
- One in seven motor vehicles
- Around 800,000 businesses - Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
- Aviva, Norwich Union's parent company, recently announced its acquisition of the RAC. The acquisition brings together the RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance.