Can a Tesla Drive Through Water?

[McHayden]

Tesla vehicles can drive through water, but their water fording capability depends on the depth, with a maximum wading depth of 138mm. The wading depth of a Tesla is determined by the height of the vehicle's chassis, which is the ground clearance listed in the model's parameter configuration table. Generally, the greater the ground clearance, the higher the chassis, and the higher the safety factor when driving through waterlogged roads. Therefore, in terms of safe wading depth, off-road vehicles and SUVs have obvious advantages. However, for most compact and small cars with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a benchmark when passing through waterlogged roads. If the air intake is below the water level while wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it can cause severe damage to the engine's mechanical components (such as connecting rods, pistons, crankshafts, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth should not exceed the height of the engine's air intake. Installing a snorkel can increase the height of the engine's air intake, thereby improving the maximum wading depth. If wading is unavoidable, the following safe and correct operations should be performed: Before driving through water, always turn off the auto start-stop function to prevent the engine from automatically restarting after stalling in water, which could cause severe damage due to water ingestion. Assess the underwater road conditions based on the passage of vehicles ahead and choose an appropriate entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, and reference points like the wheels and doors of other vehicles to estimate the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Be aware of your vehicle's safe wading depth. If the water depth exceeds half the tire height or the engine's air intake, avoid entering the water and choose an alternative route.