Cars that can Save Your Life During Flood

MANILA : Philippines carries a long history of natural calamities, its mere geographical placement at the ring of fire makes it susceptible to god's various furies. From typhoon to tsunami, earthquake to volcanic eruption, Filipinos have been fighting for long from both water and land calamities. In the recent years, the unforeseen event that has taken many lives and caused forced displacement on nation are Typhoons that are accompanied by heavy rains. The ever-increasing death toll, and health issues that follow such unpredictable events, have left many minds thinking a solution that could reduce the effect of this water monster.

Some of the great minds working towards this mission are present in the automobile industry. Apart from making cars that are loaded with high-tech features and latest technologies, car manufacture are also working towards making disaster efficient vehicles. For the Philippines market, automobile makers aim to create such cars that can save your family when you are stuck in deep waters.

Factors that makes a car Flood resistant- Major factors that every car-maker keeps in mind while making a flood proof car are ground clearance, wading depth, axle, and suspension strength.

1. Ground Clearance – It is the space or the distance between the lowest point of your car to the level of the ground surface below it. Note that tires are not considered as a part of this definition as they are destined to stick to the ground. Ground clearance is directly proportional to vehicles flood resistance. SUV's, Pickups and minivans display higher ground clearance. A minimum ground clearance of 200 mm is necessary for a car to be flood proof.

2. Wading Depth – It depends on the location of crucial factors like air vents, sensitive electronics and other vulnerable areas and their distance from the ground. Sealed air intake snorkel, Radiator barrier, Splash baffles are some must have accessories that Filipinos must keep in hand, as they allow you to sustain wading in deep water. 500 mm of minimum wading depth will allow you to move through water packed lanes.

3. Strong Axle and Suspension - To ensure that your car responds favorably to flood like situation it should have a strong suspension system so that you reach a safer destination without much hassle. Axle strength in another major concern area, as an axle breakdown will break the power supply, resulting a standstill situation.

Flood resistant cars - Buying a car is a crucial decision, you go through a number of aspects ranging from engine specs to exterior looks, sometimes it is the interior comfort and other times it is the technical up-gradations that confuse you. But, apart from these factors, it is important for fellow Filipinos to look for a car that can save their lives in a disaster like situation. We present you top cars both in low and high segment that are not only optimal for a Philippines like weather condition but are also packed with day to day driving comforts.

Top mid-segment flood proof cars -  

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

• Ground Clearance – 223 mm
• Wading Depth – 800 mm

 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

• Ground Clearance – 215 mm
• Wading Depth – 500 mm

Toyota Fortuner

• Ground Clearance – 220 mm
• Wading Depth -700 mm

Top high-segment flood proof car-

Land Rover Range Rover Discovery Sport

• Ground Clearance – 210.82 mm
• Wading Depth – 599.44 mm

Audi Q7

• Ground Clearance – 180 mm to 240 mm (adaptive air suspension)
• Wading Depth – 500 mm

 Mercedes-Benz GLC

• Ground Clearance -181 mm to 227 mm (air body control suspension)
• Wading Depth – 300 mm

Ending Note

Act smart and choose wisely, don’t just go by looks but also keep safety features in the mind as you live in a disaster-prone nation. Go for a car that will protect you and your family in hard times. So, Good luck and be safe.