Car stuck on flooded road? Don't start the engine, UAE mechanics tell motorists

Amid the unstable weather that is expected to continue across the UAE, residents are being advised to take extra care of their vehicles during these adverse conditions. Mechanics and experts are stepping in to provide motorists with tips on what to do in various situations in rainy weather.

From lost number plates to submerged cars, here is what car owners need to know:

If the car is submerged while parked

If a driver finds their car submerged while parked, mechanics advise against switching it on. “If the vehicle is fully submerged and the driver cannot open the door, it is advisable to leave the car as is,” said Rajith Kumar, founder of Al Mirath Vehicle Service LLC. “Once the water has subsided, they should call a recovery service and take the vehicle to a garage.”

He added that at the garage, the car would be parked in a sloped position to allow the water in its exhaust and other possible inlets to drain out. “The mechanic will also check the air filters and other parts to ensure that water has been drained before switching the engine on,” he said. “This will make sure that there is minimal damage to the car.”

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

He added that in this case, the seats and the mats of the car will have to be taken out and dried before the car can be used again.

If the car stalls in water on the road

Abdul Latheef, who runs Car Vox, part of Al Zarouni Group, pointed out that if a car stalls in waterlogged conditions, drivers should not attempt to restart it. “They should not try to crank the engine even once,” he said. “That can push water deeper into the engine and electrical systems, causing far more damage. Leave it as it is and call a recovery service.”

He added that if the car was stalled in the middle of the road, it was important to disconnect the battery. “When other vehicles pass by a stalled car in the middle of the road, it causes waves which can further damage the electronic components of the car,” he said. “So, the driver should disconnect the battery from the car to avoid massive damages.”

Documentation

Drivers can apply for the necessary documentation to repair their cars via official platforms in various emirates. Ajman Police has begun a proactive initiative to issue these certificates which will help drivers to complete their repair procedures. According to a social media post on the authority’s channel, drivers can apply for a proof of incident or loss certificate among others.

Dubai Police have also posted on social media how drivers can apply for a ‘To Whom it May Concern’ certificate through their app or website. Drivers must select natural disasters on the drop-down menu.

Those who have lost their number plates can also contact Dubai Police for a certificate to get an immediate replacement. Residents who find a number plate can also file a found item report through an easy process on the website and app of Dubai Police. Meanwhile, several volunteers and residents have been collecting lost number plates in various parts of the city and posting about it on social media to make it easier for the owner to find their plate.