Drivers have been urged to avoid travelling over one particularly common item on the roads over the weekend as Storm Eowyn is set to batter various parts of the country.
The Met Office has issued a wide range of amber and red weather warnings for the weekend, with winds set to hit speeds of 114mph and heavy downpours forecast.
As a result, Group 1 Automotive has urged drivers to avoid travelling quickly through puddles and stretches of flooding on the roads, which could come with a number of consequences.
They advised: “As puddles tend to collect along the edges of the road, be sure you’re not driving too close to the kerb.
“Not only will this prevent splashing, but it also protects your vehicle from hidden potholes or debris.”
Whilst puddles in the road may be common throughout the year in the UK, travelling quickly through large puddles can create a number of problems with cars.
In particular, electronic components could fail, leaving drivers without vital features such as the instrument panel, or water could be sucked into the engine bay. In the worst possible case, travelling through deep puddles at speed could completely destroy the engine, costing drivers thousands to get a replacement fitted.
Moreover, if a driver creates a splash that hits a pedestrian, they could also face fines of up to £5,000 and receive penalty points under the Road Traffic Act of 1988.
To prevent fines and having their car damaged, Group 1 Automotive recommended that drivers avoid travelling through stretches of deep water, finding alternative routes wherever possible.
They continued: “If you are driving through water – especially deep water – you must be aware of the potential damages your car could face.
“Even as little as 30 cm of water can float a car, so it’s best to be safe and drive around if possible, as water can enter the engine compartment and contaminate critical fluids your vehicle needs, such as engine oil.”
