How High Can Water Submerge a Car Without Causing Damage?

[VanDonovan]

Theoretically, as long as water does not submerge the exhaust pipe, there should be no issues. However, there are too many unpredictable factors. Submerging the exhaust pipe may affect the catalytic converter in the exhaust system because the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures, and direct contact with water could cause damage. Additionally, when driving through water, waves may splash into the engine's air intake. Once the water level exceeds the exhaust pipe, water may enter the car's interior. Below are some relevant points about safe water fording: 1. Safe fording height: Exhaust pipe height. During actual driving, as long as the engine does not stall, the exhaust pipe continuously emits exhaust gases, which prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe. 2. Fording depth: Half the wheel height or more. Regarding the safe fording depth for cars, the general standard is half the height of the wheel.