How to Maintain Low-Speed Driving After a Vehicle Crosses Water?

[Gatsby]

After a vehicle crosses water, dry the soaked parts, maintain low-speed driving, and intermittently lightly press the brake pedal to restore braking effectiveness. Below is relevant information about vehicle water crossing: 1. Vehicle water crossing insurance: According to insurance clauses, water crossing insurance mainly applies when a motor vehicle is submerged to the exhaust pipe or intake pipe due to heavy rain or floods, and the driver continues to start the vehicle or uses inertia to start it; or starts the vehicle without necessary treatment after heavy rain or floods. In these two cases, water crossing insurance can provide compensation for the damage caused. 2. Precautions after water crossing: Immediately remove explosive materials from the electrical parts, dry the wet parts, and properly install the fan belt. Check whether each gearbox is soaked, whether there are drifting objects blocking between the radiator fins of the water tank, whether the tires are damaged, whether there are water plants entangled under the chassis, etc. Clean the vehicle in time to restore braking effectiveness.

[OEliana]

Last time I encountered heavy rain and water accumulation while driving the family's old sedan, I managed to get through by maintaining a low and steady speed. I shifted to first gear in the manual transmission, keeping the RPM stable above 2000, and gently pressed the accelerator with my right foot to maintain a speed of around 10 km/h while inching forward. The key was not to release the accelerator! Letting off could cause the exhaust pipe to suck in water, and if the engine stalled on the spot, it would be a real hassle. While crossing the water, I kept both hands firmly on the steering wheel, driving straight without changing lanes or making sudden turns to avoid tire slippage and loss of control. I also had to carefully avoid branches and debris floating in the water—getting them stuck under the chassis would be disastrous. After completely exiting the flooded section, I deliberately found an open stretch of road to lightly press the brakes a few times, drying the water off the brake pads before daring to accelerate. This experience has saved me several times—driving in the rainy season really requires extra caution.

[LaAbigail]

When driving in the rainy season, it's common to encounter waterlogged sections. My experience is to switch the automatic transmission to manual mode and engage 1st gear or L gear. Maintain steady throttle to keep the speed at a constant 5-8 km/h, with the engine RPM above 1500, ensuring strong exhaust pressure to prevent water ingress. Keep your eyes fixed on a stationary reference point ahead, avoiding the reflection on the water surface to prevent disorientation. Make slight adjustments to the steering wheel; large movements can cause wheel slippage. If the water depth exceeds the exhaust pipe outlet, it's best to find an alternative route. After crossing water, I always listen for any unusual engine sounds and make sure to rinse the undercarriage during the next car wash to prevent mud and rust buildup. When it comes to safe driving, details make all the difference.

[DeAurora]

Once I suffered a big loss driving my SUV through standing water. Later I learned my lesson: I now slow down to under 10km/h before entering water, and only dare to cross when the water depth doesn't exceed one-third of the tire height. For automatic transmissions, I switch to sport mode to lock lower gears, keeping steady pressure on the accelerator with my right foot - no sudden changes. The key is to avoid braking! Water resistance can make the front end dive, and splashing waves are more likely to flood the air intake. I turn on the defogger to prevent window fogging, grip the wheel firmly with both hands to maintain a straight path, while keeping my eyes on the distant safe exit. Upon exiting the water, I immediately tap the brakes lightly to restore braking effectiveness while checking the dashboard for any warning lights. These techniques are especially useful during rainy days.