After several days of relentless rain, driving in Dhaka has become a test of patience and judgment. Roads in Green Road, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Panthapath, Kalshi, Uttara and other neighbourhoods have been left under water, slowing traffic and stranding vehicles.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 110mm of rain in Dhaka during the 27 hours to 9am on Monday. It warned that further heavy rain and temporary waterlogging remained possible as the active monsoon continued.
For motorists, the danger is not limited to congestion. Floodwater can hide potholes, displaced drain covers, debris and damaged sections of road. It can reduce braking performance, disable electrical systems and enter an engine through its air intake.
The safest response is usually the simplest: do not drive into water when its depth, current or the condition of the road cannot be determined.
Slow down and leave more space
Wet roads reduce tyre grip and increase stopping distances. Drivers should reduce their speed, avoid sudden steering or braking and leave a substantially larger gap from the vehicle ahead.
Visibility can deteriorate quickly in a downpour. Use dipped headlights, keep the windscreen clear and avoid following buses or trucks too closely. Large vehicles can produce waves that raise the water level around a smaller car and push water into its engine bay.
Drivers should also watch carefully for pedestrians, motorcyclists and rickshaws. People may be forced away from flooded pavements and into the road, while standing water can make lane markings and road edges difficult to see.
Official road-safety guidance recommends slowing down, increasing the following distance and checking road conditions before travelling in severe weather.
If the tyres begin to aquaplane—losing contact with the road because of a layer of water—do not brake sharply. Ease off the accelerator, hold the steering wheel steadily and allow the tyres to regain grip.
Do not enter if the water is moving, if the road surface cannot be seen or if there is no clear exit. Water may be considerably deeper in the centre of the road, beside a drain or inside an unseen pothole.
The AA advises drivers of ordinary cars not to enter water deeper than about 10cm. Even a small quantity of water entering the engine’s air intake can cause serious damage.
Drivers of SUVs should not assume that higher ground clearance makes them invulnerable. Every vehicle has a manufacturer-specified wading depth, and the location of its air intake and electronic components matters as much as its height.
Moving water is especially dangerous. It can push a vehicle sideways, conceal damage to the road and rise rapidly. Road-safety authorities warn that relatively shallow rushing water can carry away a car.
Crossing should be considered only when the water is stationary and shallow, the road surface and exit are visible, and the driver is confident the depth is within the vehicle manufacturer’s limit.
Enter slowly and maintain a steady walking pace. For a manual car, use a low gear. In an automatic, select a low-range setting where available. Avoid changing gear, accelerating sharply or stopping in the water.
Only one vehicle should cross at a time. Following another car closely can force you to stop if it breaks down, while vehicles travelling in the opposite direction can create a wave.
Do not attempt to overtake. Keep away from the road edge, open drains and areas where the surface may have collapsed. In Dhaka, floodwater may also conceal damaged or displaced utility covers.
Driving quickly is not safer. Speed creates a bow wave that can send water into the engine compartment, destabilise nearby vehicles and soak pedestrians.
An engine that stops in floodwater may have drawn water into its air intake. Trying repeatedly to restart it can cause severe internal damage.
Switch off the ignition, turn on the hazard lights and call for recovery. The car should be towed to a qualified workshop rather than driven away.
Remain inside if the water is stable and it is safer than stepping into the road. But if the water is rising rapidly or the vehicle is being moved by a current, leave as soon as a safe route to higher ground is available. Be alert to open drains, sharp debris, contaminated water and electrical hazards.
Personal safety must take priority over saving the vehicle.
Once the vehicle reaches a dry and safe section of road, drive slowly and apply the brakes gently several times. This helps dry the braking surfaces and confirms that the car can stop normally.
If the pedal feels unusually soft, the vehicle pulls to one side or braking performance is reduced, stop and seek mechanical assistance. Motoring guidance recommends checking the brakes immediately after passing through floodwater and arranging a garage inspection after significant exposure.
Pay attention to warning lights, changes in engine sound, rough running, unusual vibration, heavy steering or problems with the transmission. Test the headlights, indicators, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning and infotainment system.
An apparently normal car may still have damage that becomes visible later.
After the engine has cooled, check the air-filter housing for moisture. A wet filter or signs of water inside the intake system require professional attention. Do not start the car until it has been inspected.
Engine oil contaminated by water may appear cloudy or milky. Transmission and other vehicle fluids can also be affected. These systems should be checked by a mechanic rather than drained or dismantled at home.
A workshop should inspect the engine, transmission, axles, wheel bearings, braking system, fuel system and electrical connections. Water contamination can accelerate wear and cause failures weeks or months later.
Drivers should also examine the tyres for cuts, punctures and trapped debris. Floodwater can carry metal, broken glass and other objects that are difficult to see while driving.
Water entering the cabin should not be ignored, even if the car continues to run.
Remove wet mats and personal belongings. Open the doors in a secure, well-ventilated place and use fans or professional drying equipment. Moisture trapped beneath carpets and soundproofing can produce mould, unpleasant smells and corrosion.
Because urban floodwater may contain sewage, fuel, oil and other contaminants, use gloves when cleaning and avoid direct skin contact. Upholstery, carpets and air-conditioning filters may require professional cleaning or replacement.
If the water rose above the bottom of the doors or entered the dashboard area, the vehicle needs a comprehensive inspection. Modern cars contain sensors, control modules and electrical connectors beneath seats, carpets and dashboards. They may work normally at first and fail later as corrosion develops.
Once the immediate risk has passed, have the underbody, wheel arches and suspension cleaned to remove mud and contaminated deposits.
Avoid directing high-pressure water at electrical connectors, air intakes or sensitive engine components. A professional underbody wash is preferable when the car has passed through dirty or sewage-contaminated water.
Continue watching for rust, warning lights, damp smells and intermittent electrical faults during the following weeks.
