How to Drive Through Deep Water Areas with a Car
1 Answers
When driving through deep water areas, the water depth should be assessed first. Since the water on the road is relatively dirty, it's difficult to judge the depth, especially on uneven surfaces. The safest approach is to park the car in a safe spot and observe how other vehicles navigate the flooded area. If vehicles of similar height can pass, it generally indicates safe passage. If no similar vehicles are present, using a branch to measure the water depth is advisable. The vehicle manual specifies the safe and dangerous water levels, indicating the maximum water depth your car can handle. When water reaches half the wheel height, the car's chassis may be submerged, and the exhaust pipe could be in contact with water. Poorly sealed components might leak, requiring reapplication of lubricant or rust removal. For most family cars, water up to one-third of the wheel height is relatively safe. At two-thirds of the wheel height, the battery may get flooded. If the car moves too quickly, water could enter the air intake, potentially causing severe engine damage. Key precautions when driving through water: For vehicles with auto start-stop, manually disable this feature before entering water. If the engine stalls, the system might attempt to restart it, leading to major repairs. Drive slowly in low gear without stopping, accelerating gently, avoiding sharp steering or gear changes. Never attempt a second ignition if the engine is flooded—this could destroy the engine. Instead, exit the vehicle and wait for assistance. Avoid driving side by side with other cars through flooded areas. Maintain distance and pass one by one to prevent water splashed by other vehicles from entering your air intake. After crossing, perform several light brake applications to dry the brake discs and pads through friction.
