BANGKOK – Asia Pacific is well-known as the world's most disaster-prone region1 with Southeast Asia especially prone to flooding2. The monsoon season brings approximately 400mm of rainfall at its peak month, posing a challenge to drivers – particularly those in major cities across Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, where heavy rains can give rise to floods, creating delays and additional safety issues3.
Looking more in detail at the cities most affected by monsoon-induced flooding, in Bangkok, the rainy season reaches its height in September with the highest rainfall of around 350mm. These downpours can disrupt the daily lives of city dwellers – in 2017, floods in the city affected more than 3,000 vehicles with insurance claims amounting to more than 45.6 million baht4. Jakarta, on the other hand, experiences the rainy season from November with its height in January – highest rainfall of around 402mm. In April 2019, floods hit 37 areas across Jakarta. East Jakarta was worst hit, accounting for 21 of the affected areas and with more than 2,370 residents impacted5. Manila's rainy season peaks in August with the highest rainfall of around 473mm. In 2018, the monsoon season affected more than 288,860 families from 21 provinces across the country6.
To make sure drivers and their vehicles are not left stranded when the monsoons hit, Nissan shares five top driving tips in floods with details on how the Nissan Terra, with its 800mm water wading ability, enables city dwellers to #GoAnywhere during rainy season7 8 9.:
- Know the maximum wading depth of your vehicle – This height is set for each vehicle by where the vulnerable systems are, like the air filter and distributor. Made in and for Southeast Asia, the Nissan Terra offers drivers 225mm of ample ground clearance to confidently wade in up to 800mm of water, a height deep enough to submerge two stacked bowling pins. Watch the Terra prove its capabilities not only in urban floods, but while driving through a river with a strong current here.
- Ease into the water at no faster than 3km/h – This reduces the chance of water entering the engine through the air filter and damaging electrical parts, as it creates a "bow wave" in front of the vehicle and a depression in water level around the engine bay. To assist drivers, the Terra's 2.3-liter twin turbo diesel engine provides 190hp of power and 450Nm of torque to powerfully navigate submerged terrain with power.
- Keep a constant speed and do not release the accelerator – This prevents water from flooding the engine through the exhaust pipe. With features like Hill Start Assist, the Nissan Terra confidently manages inclines and hill ascents, even when water wading, to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. It holds pressure on the brake for a few seconds, providing enough time to switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
- Proceed one vehicle at a time – This is so you will not be forced to stop in the middle of the flooded roads if the vehicle in front stalls. At just over 1.8 meters wide, the Terra offers an abundance of smartly designed cabin space yet allows urbanites to navigate even narrow flooded city streets10.
- After safely crossing a flood, check for any vehicle irregularity or debris– Check your vehicle and engine bay for any signs of debris that could be trapped inside. Emerging from a flooded street, Nissan's Advanced Drive-Assist Display provides full details of the Terra's system from tire pressure, to the 4x4 system. Most importantly, via the Intelligent Rear-View Mirror, Nissan Terra enables driver to maintain a clear rear view of the whole family as well as an unobstructed rear view behind the vehicle, via a camera at the rear hatch.
"Floods during the monsoon season cause big challenges in Southeast Asia11, because people can't reach their destinations on time, with rising waters causing delays. Our customer's safety and ability to go anywhere, at any time, is at the heart of what we do. This inspired us to ensure the Nissan Terra's ability to go through high water can transform the way people drive, with confidence," said Hironori Awano, Nissan Terra Chief Vehicle Engineer.
"Just 300mm of water will float many vehicles, and 600mm can carry away even some heavy-duty vehicles12. We aim to educate drivers in this region about safe water driving, and how the Nissan Terra can make their daily lives easier."
Find out more about flooding statistics across the Asia & Oceania region, and why the Nissan Terra is able to easily take on flooded streets, in the below infographic:
Top 5 Tips for rainy season driving in Asia and Oceania
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About Nissan Asia & Oceania
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. Nissan has been operating in the A&O region for over 60 years, employing more than 15,000 employees across research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. The A&O region itself encompasses 30+ markets across both Asia and the Pacific, with the regional headquarters based in Bangkok. Nissan has developed long-standing regional partnerships with National Sales Companies, as well as developing a growing network of more than 750 dealers, to deliver a significant Nissan Datsun product line-up to A&O customers. Nissan is driven by Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company's vision for a better future for customers where cars are their partners, and where driving is safer, smarter and more efficient. For more information, visit https://asia.nissannews.
Cedric Ratinaud
General Manager, Product Communications
Asia & Oceania
Nissan Motor Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Email: cedric@nissan.co.th
Tel: +66-(0) 2-339-3400
Eva Chow
Edelman Singapore for Nissan Asia & Oceania
Email: eva.chow@edelman.com
Tel: +65 6494 1596