Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — With the Southwest monsoon expected to dump more rain in the coming days, driving has become riskier with the rising possibility of floods. </p><p>Here are a few tips on how to keep your car safe from floods and what to do if your car gets flooded.</p><div><strong>Park on higher ground</strong></div><p>If you live in a flood-prone area and heavy rainfall is expected, plan ahead and park your vehicle in a safer, elevated location. Many malls now offer free overnight parking for customers or residents nearby who live in flood-prone areas.</p><div><strong>Plan ahead to avoid floods</strong></div><p>If you must go out in the rain, plan your route carefully to avoid flood-prone areas. Project NOAH has an <a href="https://noah.up.edu.ph/know-your-hazards" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">interactive map </a>of Metro Manila which identifies areas and sections of roads that are flood-prone.</p><div><strong>Use headlights, not hazard lights</strong></div><p>Only use hazards during an actual emergency to avoid confusing other drivers. You need your signal lights to tell others on the road whether you&#x27;re turning left or right.</p><div><strong>Don’t force your way through flooded streets</strong></div><p>If you’re already on the road during a downpour, avoid forcing your way through flooded areas. It is always safer to wait for the floodwater to subside than to risk severely damaging your car&#x27;s mechanical and electrical systems. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>IF YOUR VEHICLE GETS FLOODED</strong></div><div><strong>Prioritize your personal safety</strong></div><p>If you are in the middle of traffic and the floodwater is already rising and entering your car, turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle, and lock it. Always prioritize your safety—staying inside the vehicle while the floodwater is rising may make it more difficult for you to get out. It’s best to get to a safe place first when floods have turned dangerous.</p><div><strong>Take a photo of your flooded car</strong></div><p>If you are in a safe spot, take a picture of the car in the middle of the flood. This is to prove that the vehicle was damaged by the flood when you need to claim insurance.</p><div><strong>Never attempt to start a flooded vehicle</strong></div><p>Starting a flooded engine can ruin the computer box and other electronics. Disconnect the battery immediately instead.</p><div><strong>Leave the repairs to the pros </strong></div><p>Unless you are very knowledgeable about cars, attempting to fix a severely flooded car on your own can lead to bigger, more expensive issues. Have your car towed to a trusted mechanic who can properly inspect and repair the engine and electrical damage.  </p><div><strong>Call your insurance provider</strong></div><p>Reach out to your car insurance company to report the incident and check if your policy (like Acts of God/Nature coverage) covers the flood damage. Expect that the value of the vehicle will also go down once it has sustained flood damage.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>- Tips culled from previous ABS-CBN articles and from the Automobile Association of the Philippines</em></div>

<p>With the Southwest monsoon expected to dump more rain in the coming days, driving has become riskier with the rising possibility of floods.</p>

With the Southwest monsoon expected to dump more rain in the coming days, driving has become riskier with the rising possibility of floods.

How to keep your car safe from floods, and what to do if it gets flooded

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How to keep your car safe from floods, and what to do if it gets flooded

ABS-CBN News

Published August 18, 2026 07:54 PM PHT

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Updated August 18, 2026 07:55 PM PHT

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