Motorists warned of enormous £5,000 repair bill for driving in the rain this winter
Motorists could face massive repair costs if they drive in Storm Babet
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Drivers are being warned of massive repair bills they could face with Storm Babet battering the nation with strong winds and heavy downpours.
Red weather warnings are still active for the rest of today, with the Met Office forecasting that rain and wind will batter most of the UK.
A number of yellow, amber and red warnings are active, covering all of Northern Ireland and most of England, Scotland and Wales.
Storm Babet has swept across the UK causing towns to be flooded, with more than 400 people evacuated and taking the lives of two people in Scotland.
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Experts are now urging road users to be cautious when driving in dangerous weather as they could end up with a massive garage bill.
The Met Office has told drivers to expect “danger to life” from fast-flowing or deep floodwater, as well as road closures, delays and cancellations across the transport network.
Dangerous driving conditions are also likely because of spray from the roadside and flooded roads.
Officials have warned that some parts of Angus in Scotland are now completely cut off, with people only being able to access these areas with a boat.
Ollie Green, owner of Collect Service Go, is urging motorists to be safe when driving during Storm Babet and at any other times of heavy rainfall.
The expert stated that people should not drive through large puddles as there is a greater chance of the rainwater getting into the car’s air intake and engine.
He added: “If this happens, you may notice that your car is taking longer to start, or in extreme cases, it is permanently damaged and doesn’t start at all.
“This can potentially lead to an entire engine replacement which can cost on average up to £4,000.”
These puddles can also be deeper than previously thought, with potholes also potentially having a huge impact, as new data shows drivers are getting more frustrated than ever.
Hitting these puddles or deep trenches can hide things like sharp objects and debris, heightening the risk of breaking down.
When driving at high speeds, it could result in punctures, cuts or severe tyre damage, with new tyres costing an average of £700.
Drivers could also face enormous fines if they do not replace their tyres after being damaged, with motorists at risk of a £2,500 fine per tyre, for a total cost of £10,000 if they are not suitable for the road.
Ollie Green continued, saying: “Car headlights are made with a watertight seal that stops any leaks from damaging them. However, natural wear and tear can weaken this seal, resulting in rainwater possibly seeping into the headlight.
“This may cause the headlight condensation and the lens to fog up. Not only could this reduce the headlights' effectiveness, it could also cause lasting damage including corrosion or electrical problems.
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A number of cars have been submerged from Storm Babet
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“Maintaining clean headlights by removing dirt and any moisture will help to lessen this problem, whilst a headlight restoration kit can also assist in removing rust and haze. However, if you choose to ignore this, it could result in a headlight unit replacement which can potentially cost up to £200.”
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