Can You Drive When Water is Above the Exhaust Pipe?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to drive through a section where water has submerged the exhaust pipe. Excessive water intake can affect the engine, causing it to stall during operation. When driving through waterlogged areas, follow these two key points: 1. Observe whether the vehicle ahead can pass: If the water depth exceeds half of the wheel height, it is best not to force your way through. 2. Driving techniques: When driving through flooded areas, the vehicle should be in a low gear with steady throttle to pass smoothly. Driving at high speed may cause water splashes from the front wheels, bumper, or front grille to enter the engine compartment, wetting high-voltage wires and leading to stalling. Alternatively, water may surge into the air intake pipe and air filter, eventually entering the engine and causing it to stall.
If the water level exceeds the exhaust pipe, I sincerely advise you not to risk driving through. Last summer during heavy rainstorms in our area, I saw several car owners who forced their way through flooded sections, only to end up with water entering their engines. The repair technicians explained that when the exhaust pipe is submerged, the engine creates negative pressure, sucking water inside—instant stalling is the least of the problems; in severe cases, water entering the cylinders can directly bend the connecting rods. Even if you stop in the water, it will continuously backflow. The vehicle manual specifies the maximum wading depth, and typically, the exhaust pipe position is the critical point. Beyond this depth, don’t attempt it—wait for a tow truck or take a detour for safety.
