How is a Sedan Considered to be Wading?
2 Answers
Driving on low-lying, waterlogged roads or passing through water is considered wading. Steps for wading: 1. Observe road conditions: Before driving through water, pay attention to the depth, direction, and speed of the water, and determine if there are obstacles such as mud or quicksand underwater. Before wading, also wrap the distributor and high-voltage wires with plastic sheets. 2. Maintain stable power: For hard surfaces, engage a low gear and slowly enter the water. While driving, keep the steering wheel steady and maintain a steady throttle to ensure the car has sufficient and stable power to pass through in one go. Avoid stopping, shifting gears, or making sharp turns midway. 3. Check the electrical system: Dry any wet parts and reinstall the fan belt. Check if any gearboxes have been submerged, if there are any debris blocking the radiator fins, if the tires are damaged, or if there are any water plants tangled under the chassis. Clean the vehicle promptly to restore braking effectiveness.
Last time I almost got stuck driving in a heavy rainstorm, I finally understood that there are three key points to check when a sedan goes through water. One-third of the tire's height in water is the warning line—if the water reaches half the wheel height, the risk of wheel slippage becomes very high. The intake position is the most critical; for most sedans, it's near the front grille, and if water submerges this area, the engine will definitely stall. Don’t worry too much about the exhaust pipe—it only risks backflow if completely submerged. When driving through water, remember to use the lowest gear and go slowly. If the engine stalls, never attempt to restart it, or the engine could be ruined. Here’s a handy tip: observe whether the waves from the car ahead exceed the lower edge of the bumper—if they do, don’t follow. The safest option is to detour if the water depth exceeds 15 centimeters.
