How Deep Can Water Be Before a Car Cannot Pass Through?

[LeMalachi]

Water reaching the height of the vehicle's air intake means it cannot pass through. Maximum wading depth of a vehicle: The maximum wading depth of a vehicle is determined by the height of its air intake, which is why you often see vehicles submerged in water. When the water depth exceeds the height of the exhaust pipe, the driver needs to keep pressing the accelerator to maintain the air pressure inside the exhaust pipe. If the engine stalls, water can flow back into the exhaust pipe. Hazards of vehicle wading: Water can enter the engine cylinders through the intake and exhaust systems. Since water is incompressible, it can cause bending and deformation of the valve linkage and piston cranks. In severe cases, it can damage the cylinder block. Water entering the vehicle's electrical circuits, especially the onboard computer, can cause short circuits. While ordinary circuits may be manageable, if the onboard computer gets damaged by water, replacement is usually the only option.