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.

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe, STAY HOME - Coronavirus

Keeping a full tank of gas in an unknown, fluid situation such as the U.S. is in now is something I recommend.

Hello friends,

It’s been some time since we’ve talked cars. And while I will be making more content, especially while we’re quarantined due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, there’s something pressing I want to quickly address. Staying home and staying safe while staying prepared. Today, the governor of the state of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, declared that residents are to stay home and only come out for essential needs (food, medicine, to care for someone else, etc.). Auto shows such as the one in Geneva have cancelled. The Big 3 (GM, Ford, FCA) have all temporarily suspended operations at their U.S. plants. This is all to help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. I want to encourage you to do just that - take care of yourself and family and stay home. Practice social distancing and flatten the curve.

However, I’d be remiss to tell you to not prepare also. If you need something essential such as water, go get it, but protect yourself and your family by washing your hands regularly first and foremost, but  also wearing rubber gloves if you have any on tap. Clean your house and car after any trips out. And one thing I do strongly advise - FILL UP YOUR GAS TANK AND KEEP GAS IN IT.

Now I know what you’re thinking - “Adam, that makes no sense. We’re not going anywhere.” That may be true, but in an emergency, you can NEVER be too prepared, friends. Gas is cheap in most places now - I stopped and put gas in my mother’s 2020 Kia Telluride for $1.57 today. When was the last time you could fill up for that? The 90s!? Keeping gas in your tank in a situation where you don’t know what’s coming tomorrow is basic safety in my eyes. You’re ready to go anywhere for anything if need be. So yes, stock up and fill up, too. But maybe leave a pack of toilet paper for the next family, ok?

Roll on guys. And stay prepared, stay safe and STAY HOME.

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

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.