Is it a problem if water reaches halfway up the wheel?
3 Answers
If the water reaches halfway up the car tire and the vehicle is stationary and not in motion, there is no issue with the vehicle itself. Here is some information about tires: 1. Introduction: The sidewall thickness of a tire is 5mm. Car tires can be divided into pneumatic tires and solid tires based on their carcass structure. The vast majority of modern vehicles use pneumatic tires. Depending on the internal air pressure, pneumatic tires can be categorized into high-pressure tires, low-pressure tires, and ultra-low-pressure tires. 2. Types: Low-pressure tires are commonly used in various vehicles. Pneumatic tires can also be divided into tube tires and tubeless tires based on their structure. Passenger cars generally use tubeless tires. Depending on the arrangement of the internal cord layers and cushion layers, tires can be further classified into radial tires and bias-ply tires. Radial tires are widely used in vehicles. All tire sidewalls are marked accordingly.
Last time I drove during heavy rain, the water level reached just the center of my wheels, which was quite a scare. Half the height of the wheel is roughly 20-30 cm, and that's no small matter. If water enters the engine's air intake, it can cause the engine to stall or even lead to hydro-lock, with repair costs easily running into tens of thousands. Even worse, the electrical system could short-circuit, causing lights to fail, and water entering the exhaust pipe could make the vehicle uncontrollable. I strongly advise against forcing your way through flooded areas. If you've already taken the risk, make sure to get a thorough inspection of the chassis and electrical systems at a repair shop afterward to avoid future troubles. Regular maintenance checks on the engine bay seals and cooling system can help prevent such issues in the first place.
I live in the suburbs and often encounter flooded areas while driving. When the water reaches halfway up the wheels (about 25 cm, which means the water level is above the midline of the tires), I immediately detour. At this depth, the rotating wheels can easily draw water into the engine compartment, causing water ingress and stalling. The consequences can be severe—electronic modules like the ECU might be ruined, and tires are prone to water damage and deformation. After such incidents, I’ve inspected my car and found that the brake pads make unusual noises after getting wet. Safety comes first, so now I change my route on rainy days and carry tools like waterproof tape just in case. Driving through floodwaters is really unreliable—I’d rather be late than take the risk. The repair costs are too high, and it affects my mood.
