Can the Chery Ant Cross Water on Rainy Days?
3 Answers
Chery Ant can cross water on rainy days, and the vehicle's water-crossing capability depends on its maximum wading depth, which is 200mm for the Chery Ant. The wading depth of the Chery Ant 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 driving through waterlogged roads. If the air intake of the Chery Ant is below the water level while crossing water, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it will 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. The height of the engine's air intake, and thus the maximum wading depth, can also be increased by installing a snorkel. If crossing water is unavoidable, the following safe and correct operations should be performed: Before the vehicle enters the water, always turn off the auto start-stop function to prevent the engine from automatically restarting after stalling in the water, which could cause severe damage due to water ingress. 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 such as the wheels and doors of other vehicles to estimate the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Know your vehicle's safe wading depth. If the water depth exceeds half of the tire height or the engine's air intake, do not enter the water recklessly; choose an alternative route instead.
Actually, I bought a Chery Ant recently, and you really need to pay attention to water accumulation when driving in rainy weather. This car is an electric vehicle, and the sealing of the battery and motor is decent. Ordinary road puddles after rain are completely fine. But you must never intentionally drive into deep water areas. If the water level exceeds half the height of the tires, it may cause water ingress, leading to short circuits or battery damage. I remember one time during heavy rain, the road had quite deep water, but I slowed down and drove through steadily without any issues. The key is to maintain a steady speed to avoid splashing water into the chassis. Also, after driving through water, you should check the undercarriage and door seals just in case. Driving in the rain already has poor visibility, and although the Ant is small with good stability, safety comes first. I recommend checking the user manual to confirm the maximum wading depth, generally not exceeding 300 mm. During regular maintenance, have the mechanic check the electrical wiring to prevent aging and ensure safe and worry-free driving in the rain.
I've been driving for over a decade, including my current Chery Ant electric car, and you need to be extra cautious when wading through water on rainy days. Electric vehicles have better sealing compared to fuel-powered cars, but there's still risk if the water is too deep. The chassis design and battery protection of the Chery Ant are up to standard, and it's fine to slowly pass through accumulated water on the road with a depth of 15-20 cm from ordinary rain. However, never attempt to cross puddles deeper than the center of the tires, as water entering the battery or motor can cause damage or even safety hazards. I've encountered similar situations before, and the most important thing is to slow down and maintain steady pedal control. After wading, dry the underside of the car as soon as possible, and regularly check the tires and sealed areas to prevent corrosion. Visibility is low on rainy days, so always check the water depth before wading to avoid accidents. It's advisable to develop good driving habits and not take risks beyond your vehicle's wading capability.
