How Deep Can Water Submerge an Engine?
1 Answers
Generally, as long as the water depth does not exceed half of the tire height, drivers can proceed with confidence without worrying about water reaching the engine. Additional Information: 1. The intake pipe is the primary water-sensitive component of a car: The engine's intake pipe is particularly vulnerable to water, which can cause the engine to stall or even become irreparably damaged. 2. Exhaust pipe ground clearance: For standard sedans, the exhaust pipe is typically 20 to 30 cm above the ground, while for SUVs, it ranges from 30 to 40 cm. 3. Tips for driving through water: (1) Follow the lead vehicle: Observe how preceding vehicles navigate the water. If a similar vehicle successfully passes, your car is likely to do the same. If no vehicles are ahead, the driver must assess the water depth carefully before proceeding. (2) Assess water conditions: Areas with waves or whirlpools often indicate large rocks or obstacles, while calm surfaces usually signify deeper water. Uniform, small ripples typically indicate a smoother roadbed below—choose such paths for crossing. (3) Determine water depth: If water rises above the exhaust pipe level, there's a risk of stalling and water ingress. Typically, when water depth stays below half the wheel height, you can cautiously drive through at low speed.
