Should You Drive Fast or Slow Through Water?
2 Answers
When driving through water, it is advisable to proceed at a low speed. However, this does not mean crawling at a snail's pace; instead, maintain sufficient power to move slowly to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe and causing engine failure. When encountering waterlogged sections, adapt flexibly based on the depth of the water rather than rigidly adhering to theoretical rules. Below are the consequences of driving too fast or too slow: 1. Driving too fast can cause stalling: When a car enters a waterlogged area, it stirs up water and mud, creating waves. If the speed is too high, water can splash onto pedestrians or vehicles in adjacent lanes, severely impairing visibility and compromising driving safety. Moreover, if the water is too deep, splashed water may enter the engine's air intake, causing the car to stall. 2. Driving too slow can lead to exhaust pipe backflow: The exhaust pipe has a certain thrust that can block water from entering when submerged. However, if the speed is too slow and the water is too deep, the exhaust pipe's thrust may not be enough to prevent water from flowing back. Therefore, while driving slowly through waterlogged sections is recommended, the speed should not be excessively slow.
I've been driving for over 20 years and encountered countless waterlogged road sections. Each time, I chose to pass through slowly. Driving too fast is not only dangerous but also prone to damaging the car. High speed causes water to splash higher, and if rainwater is sucked into the intake, the engine may stall or even be ruined, leading to costly repairs. Braking effectiveness is poor on wet and slippery roads, and the risk of skidding increases significantly during sudden braking. I've personally seen a friend lose control and crash into a wall due to speeding through a puddle. The correct approach is: maintain a speed of 10-20 km/h, use first or second gear for manual transmissions, and low-speed mode for automatic transmissions, moving steadily and at a constant speed. If the water depth exceeds the center of the wheel or the height of the exhaust pipe, don't take the risk—it's better to detour or wait for the water level to drop. Afterwards, check the brake responsiveness and chassis to avoid residual moisture. Safety comes first; a little patience saves a lot of trouble. This is experience gained from painful lessons.
