FYI: Do Not Drive Your Jeep, Range Rover, HUMMER, or any other “Highly Capable” Vehicle Through a Big Body of Standing Water Just Because It’ll Make You Look Cool

Water is a powerful element. Do yourself and those you care about a favor and don't try to drive through deep water during flooding, even in a very capable truck or SUV.

This is what happens when you don't acknowledge

the limitations of your vehicle and heed nature's warning...

Don't be like this guy (me) a couple winters ago...

Michigan is flooding in places, particularly in Midland. But don’t be a bro. Be smart. Drowning is NOT COOL it turns out. Don’t drive your Jeep, or Range Rover, or anything else “highly capable” into a dangerous situation like a flood just because “you think its badass” or “the manufacturer said you can.” Most vehicles, even the most capable ones, can only handle up to a couple of feet of water (~30 inches) before everything goes downhill. And this water fording capability will vary based on the vehicle.

A very, very basic rule of thumb: If you can’t see the ground through the water, or if it looks like it’ll cover your whole hood (which means it’ll flood your engine) and you don’t have a snorkel, turn around. Don’t drive around barricades. And if you absolutely MUST drive thru standing water, drive steady and slow enough so you don’t cause a big wave. Check your brakes and other components after. But mostly - NEVER put yourself or your passengers in danger. 

Also, if not that, you at least don’t wanna submerge and ruin your fancy $30,000-$100,000+ SUV or truck, do you???

Range Rover (top) and Jeep Gladiator (bottom) water fording abilities.

Click for a larger image. Even the most capable vehicles have a limit. 

The flooding we're seeing far exceeds the capabilities of 

even the most capable cars. So don't try it - you're not invincible.

Your Car's Ability vs. Yours

For good reference, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator can wade in water up to 30 inches (2.5 feet). A 2020 Land Rover Range Rover can wade in water up to 35.4 inches (2.95 feet). That’s a lot of water! But guess what? There’s even MORE water than that in parts of Michigan – up to 9 feet of it I’ve heard! And some of it is rushing water! Yeah. Your Range Rover ain’t getting through that, bro. And neither are you.

So, take it from someone who’s slid their own Jeep into a ditch in a blizzard while just “having fun” and got stuck for two hours waiting for help – driving in hazardous conditions is never as cool as staying alive. Stay home (if you’re able), stay well and stay safe. Especially during this pandemic time (almost forgot about that, didn’t you?). If you must evacuate, still be careful and pack what’s needed. My prayers are with everyone affected in my home state. I’ve put links to a news story, resources for flood victims, and also on flood safety and driving below.

Links:

• https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Michigan-National-Guard-activated-to-help-with-Midland-flood-relief-570613961.html
• https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/on-the-road/flood-safety-tips/
• https://www.211nemichigan.org/covid-19.html
• https://www.abc12.com/content/news/See-how-you-can-give-to-Midland-flood-relief-get-information-on-investigation-570643401.html

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Please, Donate to Your Local Food Banks

Hello all,

Taking a break from posting about cars for a moment to encourage you to donate during this coronavirus pandemic to your local food banks while also continuing to do what you can to help "flatten the curve". Many are struggling to keep up with demand, and a record number of Americans are unemployed and depending on community food banks for assistance. You’re blessed if you’re not. Be a blessing to someone else if you’re able. Every little bit helps.

Stronger together.

-Adam

Cloudy Skies & Scams - It's Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are one of the strongest weather occurrences we must endure. And yet, there are
some individuals out there who simply lack empathy and will use the event to exploit unsuspecting
shoppers and those who have lost everything.

A natural disaster is generally unexpected, and the effects of the event are felt long after things have subsided. We’re seeing that now in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which devastated Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico and left many with nothing... It’s unfortunately too easy to take advantage of individuals in these situations, and even people outside of the battered areas. One of the most common ways people exploit others is through the reselling of flooded cars.

Scrap Traps

Abandoned flood vehicles in Texas,
in a photo captured by local media.

For example: Many vehicles were pulled out of flooded areas in Texas and scrappers were charging owners $4,000-$5,000 to recover their own vehicle! Can you imagine the added feeling of injustice!? Well open your mind, because it gets deeper. Dried out flood vehicles are also sometimes resold, and can prove to be huge headaches for new owners. Insured vehicles that are declared a loss will likely be retitled and have their undamaged parts pulled out for use elsewhere.

Because of this, I strongly recommend checking a car’s history report (Carfax) before buying it to ensure you’re getting something quality. Also, checking its VIN number is an extra layer of security. Most importantly, drive the car yourself! If something looks or smells out of place... Trust your gut! Don’t get anything you feel you’ll regret later.

Note: I am NOT affiliated with ANY organization such as the Red Cross.
However, I do feel that in times of need, we need to uplift each other for
the greater good. Thus, I encourage you to find a reputable
organization that is accepting hurricane relief effort donations.

On another note: I don’t get political/motivational very often in my blogging, but I’ve been rather unimpressed with how many leaders have handled the recent natural disasters that have devastated so many families... With another major hurricane brewing (Nate) and on track to hit many southern states, I encourage you to be a leader YOURSELF and donate to a legitimate, charitable organization that’s providing relief to the affected areas individuals. I’ve learned in my short time so far on this Earth that sometimes the best support you can be to those around you is a good example.

Keep everyone in the path of these storms around the world in your thoughts and prayers.

ROLL ON.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.