Should You Drive Fast or Slow Through Standing Water?
2 Answers
Drive slowly through standing water. Below is relevant information about vehicle wading: 1. Introduction to vehicle wading: As the name suggests, vehicle wading refers to driving through low-lying areas or roads with accumulated water. This typically occurs during rainy weather in low-lying road sections where poor drainage leads to water accumulation. 2. Precautions: Before wading, observe road conditions carefully; maintain steady power while driving through water; after wading, inspect the electrical system. If a vehicle stalls in water, the main cause is usually water entering the exhaust pipe, though electrical system damage may also occur in some cases. Once a vehicle stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause water to enter the intake manifold and damage the valves, potentially leading to severe engine damage in serious cases. Instead, the vehicle should be towed immediately to a 4S dealership for professional handling.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and I always slow down when driving through waterlogged roads. If you drive too fast, the car can skid like stepping on a banana peel, completely losing control. Once during a heavy rainstorm, I tried to speed through a waterlogged area to save time, but the tires lost traction and the car veered toward the shoulder—luckily, I managed to brake in time. Since then, I always slow down to below 30 km/h in rainy conditions, using second gear to maintain steady progress. Speeding can also cause brake failure, as water submerges the brake discs, increasing stopping distances by two to three times. I recommend shifting to a lower gear in advance when approaching waterlogged sections, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration. It's also crucial to observe road conditions and assess water depth—if it's too deep, it's safer to take a detour. Safety comes first—driving slowly is the wise choice. Otherwise, not only will you face costly repairs, but lives could be at stake, leaving no room for regret.
