At what water level does a car become dangerous?
2 Answers
Exceeding the bottom of the intake grille. Generally speaking, when the water level reaches the bottom of the intake grille, it is already a very dangerous waterline. To prevent water from entering the car engine, never force your way through high-water areas, as this can cause significant damage to the vehicle. Additionally, when reselling the car as a used vehicle, the depreciation rate will be quite high. Additional information: 1. Do not drive through water: Starting or driving in water that reaches the engine intake can lead to engine damage. The safest approach during rainy weather is to avoid driving through water if you are unsure of the depth. 2. Do not restart the engine: Regardless of the reason for the engine stalling, do not attempt to restart it. Never force-start the engine. Instead, immediately report the incident to your insurance company at the scene and wait for professionals to provide rescue services.
Last time I came back from a long drive, I noticed the temperature gauge warning light was on, which scared me into immediately checking the coolant reservoir. That white translucent plastic tank is marked with two lines: the upper limit is MAX, and the lower limit is MIN. The mechanic told me that if the water level drops below the MIN line, it's extremely dangerous. The engine operating temperature can reach 90 degrees Celsius, and it relies entirely on the coolant circulation for heat dissipation. If the water level is insufficient, the water pump can draw in air, the radiator can run dry, and in no time, it can cause cylinder deformation or engine seizure. Later, I bought a test pen to check it myself, ensuring the fluid level is between MAX and MIN when the engine is cold. If you find yourself frequently topping up the coolant every few days, there's an 80% chance the radiator or a hose is leaking, and it needs to be fixed immediately. Now, with hot weather and traffic jams, it's even more important to check it regularly, otherwise, overheating on the road would be a real hassle.
