At what water level will a car not be flooded?
2 Answers
When the water level reaches exactly half of the wheel height, the situation is relatively safe. If the water exceeds this level, extra caution should be taken. Car with half-submerged tires: If the vehicle passes through water without stalling, there will be some impact on the car, but not significant. This is because the exhaust pipe generates substantial pressure when the engine is running. Precautions for wading: If you must drive through a section of road with relatively deep water, be sure to avoid the deepest areas. Additionally, when driving on such roads at night, if you notice white patches on the road surface, avoid driving your wheels over them, as these often indicate areas with deeper water.
As someone who has been driving for years, I think the water level should not exceed the center height of the wheels—about half the wheel height is still relatively safe. This is because the rotating wheels can push the water away, and the exhaust pipe can still expel gases underwater. The engine intake is usually located below the bumper, and if water rises above that point, it can be sucked in and damage the engine. Door seals are usually fine, but in older cars with poor seals, water may seep into the cabin from the bottom edges. I always remind everyone to check water depth during heavy rain—use your foot or a reference point to gauge it. If the water level exceeds half the wheel height, don’t risk driving through; taking a detour is the safest option. After all, engine repairs are expensive and unsafe, so caution should always come first when driving.
