FLOOD PROOF YOUR CAR

Ondoy's nonstop rains last week submerged scores of vehicles in Metro Manila, resulting in damage to car engines, interiors, even chrome accessories.

TopGear suggests several practical tips to keep in mind before and after a flood to at least mitigate the damage that it will inflict on our cars. Here they are:

1. If you're still scouting for a place to live in, try to choose an area that is not prone to flooding.

2. If you're joining a new company, determine whether its office location has a tendency to be inundated with rainwater. If it does, look for a relatively high ground to park your car at. Flash floods occur very quickly.

3. Familiarize your daily route to and from work. Which streets easily flood? Can you avoid passing through these streets when it's raining?

4. If you live in a flood-prone area, be sure to specify to your car-insurance agent that you want "acts of God" to be stipulated in your policy. Your peace of mind is definitely worth the extra premium.

5. If possible, raise the level of your garage to a significantly higher plane than the main road. A mere six inches could spell the difference between a dry car and a doomed one.

6. If you encounter a flooded street with water as high as your car's doorsill, turn back or find a high parking ground. There's a good chance you will stall in the middle of the flood. Don't take chances.

7. If the floodwater is still passable, drive slowly and in first gear, your right foot constantly pressed on the gas pedal. The goal is to keep going without stalling the engine, because water will get into your exhaust pipe if you bog down even momentarily.

8. If you do stall in deep water-particularly floodwater that already reaches the base of your windshield-call for help and have your car towed. The same goes for when your parked car has been submerged in water. Do not attempt to start the engine. You will severely damage your car if water has already found its way into the engine and powertrain components. The oil, the oil filter, the transmission fluid and the brake fluid will all have to be changed.

9. Disconnect the battery until everything has dried. Common sense dictates that electric current and water don't mix.

10. If your cabin has been penetrated by floodwater, have it cleaned and restored by a professional car-interior detailer. If the water has soiled the seats beyond redemption, have them reupholstered. Of course, the bottom line to all of these tips is this: If the total cost of all the repairs is already unreasonably high, just buy yourself a new car.