Drive Fast or Slow Through Water?
3 Answers
When driving through water, it is advisable to proceed at a low speed. However, 'low speed' does not mean crawling at a snail's pace. You should maintain sufficient power to drive slowly, preventing water from entering the exhaust pipe and causing engine failure. When facing waterlogged sections, adjust your approach flexibly based on the water depth rather than rigidly adhering to theoretical rules. Below are the consequences of driving too fast or too slow: 1. Driving too fast can cause stalling: When a car enters a waterlogged area, it stirs up water and mud, creating waves. If the speed is too high, water can splash onto pedestrians or vehicles in adjacent lanes, severely affecting visibility and driving safety. Moreover, if the water is deep enough, splashed water may enter the engine's air intake, causing the car to stall. 2. Driving too slow can lead to exhaust backflow: The exhaust pipe has a certain thrust that can block water from entering when submerged. However, if the speed is too slow and the water is too deep, the exhaust pipe's thrust may not be enough to prevent water from flowing back. Therefore, while driving slowly through waterlogged sections, the speed should not be excessively slow.
I've been driving for over a decade and never dare to go fast through water. Speeding through would make the water splash high, instantly flooding the engine intake, which could lead to water damage—repairs are costly. It's better to go slow, maintaining first gear speed with steady throttle for smooth progress, keeping water from surging up. With the engine intake positioned low, calm water flow prevents backflow. Also, going too fast can submerge the undercarriage, risking short circuits or corrosion in electronic components and wiring—especially check seals before the rainy season. When water depth exceeds half the wheel height, it's best to detour rather than risk wading. After wading, don't forget to check brakes and tires—safety first.
I prefer driving slowly through waterlogged sections. Speeding through water may look cool with the splashing sounds and waves, but it's actually very dangerous as it can easily splash water under the car, damaging the battery or electrical circuits, leading to costly repairs. I've tried driving slowly at about 5 km/h, and my car remained completely fine. Experts recommend maintaining a steady speed in low gear to minimize water wave impact. If the water depth is unclear, step out to check or wait for the water level to drop before proceeding. After driving through water, clean the mud and sand from the wheel hubs to prevent rust. Stay calm while driving—avoid sudden braking or rapid acceleration, as this can cause the car to skid or stall.
