TACrafts/Bigstock.com

Despite bearing the title 'sports utility vehicle', SUVs have in fact fared poorly in the recent floods, according to one UK breakdown provider.

The firm revealed that of the 7,000 vehicles it rescued from floodwater since December 20th, a 'disproportionate number' were SUVs.

It appears that many off road vehicles attempted to go through floodwater only to find that their 4x4's outdoor prowess was vastly overestimated.

January has seen one of the highest levels of rainfall since records began, causing problems for thousands of UK drivers.

Aside from the immediate problems of breaking down and being stranded, many car owners have seen their vehicles written off due to irreparable damage done to engines or electrics by water. Intakes are often one of the ways water gets directly into engines.

According to some estimates, an astonishing 70 per cent of vehicles stranded in floodwater are considered write-offs by insurers.

startrescue.co.uk does not recommend driving in floodwater over 4 inches or 10cm deep. Even drivers of 4x4s with larger clearances should take care. Enter floodwater slowly at around one or two mph, then accelerate gently to three or four mph with a view to creating a 'bow wave', behind which a depression should form that ensures water does not enter the vehicle’s air intakes.

Remember that driving at high speeds through standing or floodwater is dangerous and can result in aquaplaning. If you encounter this problem, hold the steering wheel with a light grip until your tyres regain purchase on the tarmac.

Read our recent blog on driving on flooded roads and wet conditions.

Remember that adequate annual breakdown cover can minimise recovery costs if something does happen, and offers real peace of mind on the road.