Professor Warns Against Plastic Bag Car Wraps in Floods
Professor Jessada Denduangboripant has warned Thai motorists against using large plastic bags to wrap their cars during floods, citing risks of mold buildup and the possibility of the vehicle floating away. He explained that while the bags can keep water out, trapped air makes them buoyant, and prolonged use leads to fungal growth on interior surfaces. The academic recommends seeking higher ground for parking rather than relying on this emergency measure.
The professor’s Facebook page, Jessada Denduangboripant, shared the warning, explaining that although giant plastic bags can shield a car from flood damage, leaving them on for too long encourages mold to spread across seats, steering wheels and fabric interiors. He cited experiences from the 2011 floods, when many who used the method found their vehicles completely covered in mold after the bags were removed. Moreover, the air trapped inside the bags can lift the car, causing it to float and potentially collide with other objects or vehicles. To mitigate these risks, he suggests weighting down the bags or placing moisture‑absorbing chemicals inside, but ultimately advises drivers to simply move their cars to higher ground whenever possible.
