Facing the threat of heavy flooding from Typhoon Wipha (Typhoon No. 3), many vehicle owners across northern Vietnam are racing to protect their cars using improvised waterproofing methods - from elevating them to tightly wrapping them in tarps like “sticky rice cakes.”

Rush to safeguard vehicles from rising water

With Typhoon Wipha forecast to hit northern Vietnam on July 21, widespread downpours and potential urban flooding have driven car owners into action. The most popular DIY methods include parking on high ground, taping foam to windows for impact protection, and tying cars to makeshift floating devices.

One widely shared method on social media involves sealing the underside of the vehicle with a waterproof tarp. Some cars have even been wrapped entirely in heavy-duty plastic sheeting, tied securely to float if floodwaters rise - making them resemble giant “banh chung” (Vietnamese square sticky rice cakes).

This isn’t a new idea. During Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, many northern provinces were submerged, and similar measures saved numerous vehicles from flood damage.

Lan Anh, a resident of Dong Bam Ward in Thai Nguyen, recalled how her Kia Rio was spared from flood damage thanks to a 10-meter tarp she used to wrap it tightly. While other cars in her neighborhood were submerged, her vehicle remained safe.

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A KIA Carnival owner wraps their vehicle in tarp in preparation for flooding. Photo: OFFB

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Though Lan Anh's first floor was submerged, her KIA Rio was unharmed. Photo courtesy of the owner

Expert insight and warnings

According to automotive engineer Duong Trung Kien, cars submerged in floodwaters can suffer devastating and long-lasting damage, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars to repair.

“Flooding can cause hydrolock if the engine is started with water in the intake, ruin critical systems like the ECU and transmission, and lead to moldy interiors or rusted components,” Kien said. “A flood-damaged car also loses significant resale value.”

Kien agrees that wrapping a car in waterproof tarps or specialized flood bags can be effective if done properly.

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Waterproof bags for cars are widely sold online, priced from $40 to $60. Photo: E-commerce platform

“When floodwaters rise just 30 to 40 cm, the entire wrapped car can float due to Archimedes’ principle,” he explained. “As long as the vehicle is sealed and airtight, the air inside helps it float like a boat.”

Still, experts warn that these measures can backfire if not executed carefully. A tear in the tarp or even a small gap can render the method useless. Worse, during strong winds and flooding, a floating car may be flipped or swept into walls and obstacles, causing more damage.

Thus, car owners are advised to use high-quality materials, thoroughly seal the vehicle, and anchor it securely to prevent it from drifting or being damaged by water pressure or impacts.

Hoang Hiep