Is it possible to reverse in a waterlogged section?
4 Answers
It is possible to reverse in a waterlogged section. Because there is gas in the exhaust pipe, under normal pressure (with water depth around half a meter), water will not flow backward, so reversing will not cause the engine to stall. Therefore, the key to deep wading is controlling the speed to avoid splashing water waves into the engine compartment. Additionally, the radiator fan should be temporarily turned off before wading to prevent dirty water splashing into the engine compartment from damaging the electrical system. When entering a waterlogged road, since the water on the road is relatively dirty, it is difficult to see the depth clearly, especially for potholed roads, making it even harder to judge. The safest approach is to first drive the car to a safe position and observe how other vehicles pass through the waterlogged section. If vehicles of similar height can pass, it generally means your car can also pass safely. If there are no similar vehicle models around, it is best to use a branch to measure the depth of the water. For general household cars, when the water level is up to one-third of the wheel height, it is still relatively safe; however, when the water reaches half the wheel height, extra caution is needed as the car chassis is already submerged, and the exhaust pipe is in contact with the water; when the water level reaches two-thirds of the wheel height, the battery may already be submerged, and if the car is driven too fast, water can enter the air intake, causing severe damage to the engine.
After driving for so many years, what I fear the most is reversing in waterlogged areas. The water hides all the potholes and rocks underneath, and the reversing radar and camera are practically useless underwater. The most dangerous part is the water current pushing the car, making it skid and the steering wheel completely unresponsive. If water gets into the exhaust pipe, the car could stall on the spot—what a nightmare. I still remember last year during a heavy downpour, I saw a car get washed into a drainage ditch while reversing. If you absolutely must reverse in water, have someone guide you from outside, shift into low gear, and move slowly—never slam on the brakes. Honestly, the safest option is to turn around and find another route. Safety first.
As a construction site frequent driver, reversing in water requires extra caution. Tire traction is reduced to only 30% in water, and sharp steering can easily cause skidding. If water enters the engine intake, repair costs can reach at least five to six thousand yuan. Don't attempt it if the water level exceeds half of the wheel hub—just wait patiently for rescue. I always keep a tow rope in my car for such situations and have passengers get out to help observe. Also, remember to check the brake discs after wading through water, as sand and mud can significantly reduce braking effectiveness.
The driving instructor repeatedly emphasized last time: reversing is strictly prohibited in waterlogged sections. The water pressure can cause the rear of the car to lose balance, and the driver simply cannot see underwater obstacles. Manual transmission models are most afraid of the clutch getting wet and slipping, while automatic transmissions also risk short circuits. If you really must operate, shift into reverse gear and slowly release the brake, maintaining a steady speed without stopping. If the engine stalls, never attempt to restart it—calling a tow truck is the safest option.
