Whether wading through water affects an automatic transmission vehicle depends on the depth of the water, which is determined by the height of the vehicle's chassis, specifically the ground clearance listed in the model's parameter configuration table. If the air intake is below the water level during wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it can cause severe damage to the engine's mechanical components (such as connecting rods, pistons, crankshafts, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth should not exceed the height of the engine's air intake. Installing a snorkel can raise the engine's air intake height, thereby increasing the maximum wading depth. Generally, the greater the ground clearance and the higher the chassis, the safer the vehicle is when passing through waterlogged roads. In terms of safe wading depth, off-road vehicles and SUVs have obvious advantages. However, for most compact and small cars with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a benchmark when passing through waterlogged roads. If wading is unavoidable, the following safe and correct operations should be performed: Before wading, always turn off the auto start-stop function to prevent the engine from automatically restarting if the vehicle stalls in the water, which could cause severe damage due to water entering the engine. Assess the underwater road conditions based on how preceding vehicles pass through and choose an appropriate entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at a low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, use warning water level markers, trees, or other vehicles' wheels and doors as references to estimate the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Know your vehicle's safe wading depth. If the water depth exceeds half the tire height or the engine's air intake, avoid entering the water and choose an alternative route instead.
