HONOLULU (KHON2) — Driving through flood waters may be a risk you don’t want to take a chance on, according to Kaneohe Autocare.
“Cars that can go through high water are trucks mainly with a higher intake versus vehicles with a lower intake,” said Blaine Balderrama, a mechanic at Kaneohe Autocare. “[By] intake, I mean, the air induction that goes into your motor because it can suck in water and cause hydrolock of the engine.”
Balderrama said don’t drive through water if it reaches the bottom of the door frame. If you do decide to take on the water, he suggests driving slowly to prevent big waves from flowing over the top.
If you’re wondering just how much water your car’s air induction system can handle, the answer, according to Kaneohe Autocare – is none.
“Most of the time it’s going to require a major engine repair or replacement,” stated Balderrama. “Probably around $2,500 to $4,000 depending.”
Those with electric vehicles should be even more careful.
“It is possibly more dangerous because you’re submerging the batteries. If water gets into those cells, then you can have catastrophic events,” Balderrama added.
The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) rescued 15 people who attempted to drive their cars through flooded areas on Tuesday, May 13. A good samaritan even helped with his own truck. The aftermath of the rescue was seen around Windward Oahu.
“Towed about four or five [cars],” said Desmond Chabott, Tiger’s Towing Employee. “Some of them get taken to the residence because if you can’t find a shop to fix it or can’t pay for the repairs, they prefer to just have their car taken home.”
Out in Waikane, there were still a few cars stranded on the side of the road after being pulled out from floodwaters.