How deep can standing water on the road be before a car cannot pass?
1 Answers
When the water level is below half of the tire height, drivers can first observe whether other vehicles passing through the water are moving smoothly to determine if there are deep pits or obstacles on the ground. If the water level exceeds half of the tire height, the car should not force its way through, as the exhaust pipe is typically at this height, and forcing passage may cause water to enter the exhaust pipe. Precautions are as follows: Note 1: Slow down or stop to observe; do not force passage. If standing water is spotted ahead while driving, the first step is to slow down or stop to observe. Note 2: If the water reaches the bumper or two-thirds of the tire height, proceeding through the water poses certain risks. High speed increases the actual water depth the car passes through, potentially allowing water to enter the cabin via the engine compartment or chassis. Additionally, drivers should avoid driving against waves created by large vehicles. If observation indicates high water levels, it is advisable to detour rather than force passage.