Encountering Water Accumulation: Should a Car Pass Through Quickly or Slowly?
3 Answers
When encountering water accumulation, a car should pass through slowly, and neither accelerate nor decelerate on water-covered roads. Do not rashly drive through accumulated water. When a car is in water, due to the buoyancy of water and the impact of water flow, the adhesion of the wheels decreases, and the stability of the vehicle worsens, making it prone to skidding and side slipping. If the water is deep, electrical equipment is susceptible to short circuits, and the engine is prone to water ingress. Below are precautions for driving in rainy weather: Reduce speed and drive slowly: Regardless of the width of the road or the condition of the surface, drive at a reduced speed in the rain, always paying attention to the distance from vehicles in front and behind, and be mentally prepared to take various emergency measures. Visibility is low in rainy weather, and vision is poor. The emergency performance of the vehicle, such as braking distance, is also reduced, so slow down in advance, leaving sufficient time and space to handle situations, ensuring safety. Maintain distance: When driving in the rain, visibility is obstructed, so pay attention to maintaining distance between vehicles, constantly observe the distance from vehicles in front and behind, and increase the safe distance. Especially stay away from large vehicles: first, they can block your view; second, the water depth that large vehicles can pass through may not be passable for small cars, and large vehicles are prone to splashing water waves, interfering with the driving of small cars. Turn on fog lights when driving in the rain: Make full use of fog lights to enhance driving safety in rainy weather. If necessary, turn on hazard warning lights so that vehicles behind can always be aware of the movements ahead. Do not restart after stalling: In heavy rain or stormy weather, some road sections may accumulate serious water in a very short time. If you must drive through water, use a low gear to pass through at a steady speed. If the vehicle stalls while moving, never attempt to restart it. Blindly restarting may cause the engine to be scrapped. After the vehicle stalls, contact a specialized repair shop promptly. Only after the maintenance personnel have inspected the vehicle on-site and confirmed there are no issues should the vehicle be restarted.
I've encountered many waterlogged sections while driving, and I always feel that passing through slowly is more reliable. If you drive too fast, the wheels can easily skid because water causes the tires to lose traction—this is called hydroplaning, which is quite dangerous and can lead to losing control and hitting the roadside. Water can also enter the engine; if the water level is high and you rush through at high speed, the splashing water may seep into the air filter, causing the car to stall. Repairing this is troublesome and expensive. Driving slowly reduces water pressure, keeps the wheels stable, and protects the engine. I recommend maintaining a steady speed of 10-20 km/h, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking. If the water depth exceeds the car's door sill, it's better to take a detour—safety first. Every time I drive in the rain, I remind myself to be patient, protecting both my beloved car and myself.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I deeply understand the importance of driving slowly through standing water. Speeding through puddles may look cool, but it can actually cause a host of problems, such as water splashing into the engine, leading to short circuits or stalling, and even damaging undercarriage components. Driving slowly ensures that the tires maintain solid contact with the ground, preventing hydroplaning. It's best to maintain a steady speed without shifting gears or braking suddenly. If the water depth is unclear, pull over to observe how other vehicles navigate it or find a dry route as a detour. Remember to regularly check your car's drainage system and sealing rings—prevention is always better than repair. Don’t overlook these small details during routine maintenance; they can save you from unnecessary expenses on towing services.
