How to Use the Brake Pedal After a Vehicle Has Driven Through Water?

[IrisAnn]

When driving through water, use a low gear to enter the water smoothly. Avoid shifting gears, stopping, or making sharp turns while driving. Focus on a fixed target while driving and do not stare at the water flow. If multiple vehicles are driving through water, do not enter the water simultaneously.

[OKhloe]

The golden rule repeatedly emphasized by driving instructors after wading through water: Don't rush to accelerate after passing through the waterlogged area! First, use your left foot to lightly tap the accelerator to maintain low speed, then place your right foot on the brake pedal and gently press it twice, half a second each time. The friction-generated heat will quickly evaporate the water film on the brake discs. Once you feel about 70-80% of the braking force has been restored, you can continue driving normally. Remember to avoid sudden braking within the next 20 kilometers. I've rescued several vehicles that rear-ended others right after wading—all due to doubled braking distances caused by the water film.

[VonMalachi]

From a decade of experience as a mechanic: The biggest fear after a vehicle has been submerged is water entering the brake drum and causing rust. After driving out of a flooded area, don't hesitate to use your tires—intentionally find a safe straight road, accelerate to 60 km/h, and lightly tap the brakes four or five times consecutively, each time for just 0.3 seconds. You'll hear the rustling sound of the brake pads rubbing, starting soft and growing louder—that's the process of expelling the water. A special reminder for owners of drum brake systems: After driving through water, braking power is reduced by at least 40%. In this condition, maintain a following distance at least twice as long as usual for safety.

[Clarence]

Daily Commute of 50km Insights: Post-driving maintenance is most easily overlooked after passing through waterlogged areas on rainy days. My routine involves performing a crucial test upon arrival: lightly applying the brakes at 20km/h until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, repeating this three times. This method proves more effective than any professional fluid drainage technique. Last year, my neighbor parked directly after driving through water, only to find the brake discs rusted and seized by midnight. A quick reminder for EV owners: regenerative braking may fail in wet conditions—remember to manually switch to mechanical braking mode after water exposure.