Flaming June has turned out to bit a bit of a misnomer in 2012. Usually at this time of year we are thinking about long journeys, heavy traffic and high temperatures, sea and sand getting into key fobs and even the effects of hayfever sufferers sneezing whilst driving. (if you sneeze at 70mph you may not open your eyes for 100m).

However, thinking about driving in floods is more appropriate this week. So here goes:

• Driving fast through standing water can cause expensive damage. The air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. All engines are affected but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most vulnerable.

• Driving fast through standing water is dangerous; tyres lose contact with the road and you lose steering control in what’s known as ‘aquaplaning’. If you do experience aquaplaning, hold the steering wheel lightly and lift off the throttle until the tyres regain grip.

Let’s hope I’m blogging about the sun temporarily blinding drivers next week!