Can a car continue to drive when half of its tires are submerged in water?
3 Answers
When a car's tires are half submerged in water, the engine should not be started, as the engine's intake pipe may already be flooded. Below are the consequences of water entering the vehicle: 1. Corrosion of the interior: If the water level exceeds the lower edge of the door, i.e., the car's threshold, you should not open the door to exit. Otherwise, water will flood the interior. The interior contains wiring connectors, which can easily corrode if flooded, and the car's electronic modules may also short-circuit due to water damage. 2. Engine flooding: When driving through areas with water, it's best to use the tires of the vehicle ahead as a reference to gauge the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. If the water level exceeds the top of the tires, there is a risk of water entering the engine, and it is advisable to pull over and stop immediately.
In theory, a car can slowly drive for a while when water submerges half of the tire, but this is absolutely not recommended. From a safety perspective, when the water reaches half the height of the tire, it can easily splash into the engine intake, especially if the car is moving fast, as the water pressure increases the risk. Once the engine stalls due to water intake, the repair costs can exceed tens of thousands, not to mention personal safety. I have a friend who drove through such water depth, and the car broke down in the accumulated water—fortunately, nothing serious happened. It is advisable to park and wait for the water to recede or call a tow truck. Never take the risk, as water may also enter the chassis and corrode electrical components. Safe driving is a hundred times more important than saving time. Make it a habit to avoid waterlogged areas and check the weather forecast before driving in the rain.
From a vehicle design perspective, it is possible for small cars to drive slowly in water half a tire deep, but it depends on the specific model and terrain. The air intake is usually located at the front of the vehicle, approximately at the height of the wheel hub. If the water level reaches half the tire and submerges the intake, the engine will stall when it sucks in water. The exhaust system is less of an issue, but splashing water can affect the ignition system. My experience suggests driving at a low and steady speed, avoiding sudden braking or aggressive acceleration, as water waves can worsen the situation. However, in real scenarios, water depth is hard to gauge, and if there are potholes, getting stuck can be even more troublesome. It's best to attempt this with an off-road vehicle equipped with a snorkel. Ordinary sedans should avoid such attempts to prevent costly repairs later.
