At what water level should a car no longer be driven?
2 Answers
Theoretically, as long as water does not submerge the air intake, it will not affect the engine. However, there are too many unpredictable factors. For example, when another vehicle passes by, it may create waves that could splash water into the air intake. Additionally, it is essential to drive slowly through water, and the underwater environment is unknown even if the water surface appears calm. If the engine stalls while wading through water, never attempt to restart it! The following three height references can help determine safe wading conditions: 1. Exhaust pipe height: Safe wading height. During actual driving, as long as the engine is running, the exhaust pipe continuously emits exhaust gases, which prevent water from entering the pipe. Therefore, the primary concern when wading is not the exhaust pipe but the air intake. 2. Above half-wheel height: Risk of water entering the vehicle. Modern cars are equipped with numerous electronic components and sensors. If the water level exceeds half the wheel height, water may seep into the vehicle. 3. Air intake height: Maximum wading height. The air intake height is the most critical indicator of a vehicle's wading capability. If water enters the air intake, it can cause the engine to stall, and in severe cases, water may be sucked into the engine, leading to permanent damage. Therefore, if the water reaches this level, the car must not be driven further.
I remember during last year's rainy season, when I drove through deep water, it took me a few attempts to realize that once the water reaches the middle of the tires, you really shouldn't go any further. Especially since the engine air intake is just above the front bumper—if water gets in there, it will definitely be sucked into the engine and cause it to stall. Once it stalls, trying to restart it could easily lead to total engine failure. The wiring and control boxes under the chassis can also short-circuit if submerged, making repairs a nightmare. Water in the exhaust pipe might be manageable for a short while, but the car will handle like a boat. Safety first—when the water level is high, it's better to take a detour or wait for help rather than risk driving through and wrecking your car.
