Should You Drive Fast or Slow When Encountering Water on the Road?
3 Answers
When driving through water, it is advisable to proceed at a low speed. However, 'low speed' does not mean crawling at a snail's pace; you should maintain sufficient power to move slowly. Otherwise, the exhaust pipe may take in water first. When facing water-covered sections, adapt flexibly based on the depth of the water rather than rigidly adhering to theoretical rules. Hazards of driving too fast through water: 1. Safety risks: After entering a waterlogged section, the car will churn up water and mud, creating wave-like movements. If the speed is too high, water can easily splash onto pedestrians or vehicles in adjacent lanes, severely impairing visibility and compromising driving safety. 2. Engine stalling: If the water is too deep, splashed water may enter the engine's air intake, causing the car to stall.
A few days ago when I encountered standing water while driving, I specifically consulted my driving instructor. He said you must never drive fast. Speeding through water can cause the wheels to hydroplane, making the tires instantly lose traction, and the steering wheel may slip out of control. Moreover, driving fast creates waves that could splash into the engine air intake, which would be disastrous - engine repairs could cost tens of thousands. The correct approach is to slow down to 5-10km/h in advance, shift to a low gear, and maintain a steady speed while passing through. Never shift gears or brake during the process, otherwise water may backflow into the exhaust pipe and stall the engine. If the water depth exceeds half the tire height, don't take the risk - detouring is the safest option.
I remember last year during the rainy season, my car stalled in a waterlogged area. The mechanic said it was all because I was driving too fast. High speed makes the tires hydroplane like they're on ice, causing complete loss of steering control - just a moment's inattention could send you crashing into guardrails. Flooded roads also lead to brake failure, which explains why we often see hydroplaning accidents in the news. You must slow down when crossing waterlogged sections, preferably using S mode or manual gear to maintain around 2000 RPM, as this prevents water from entering the exhaust pipe. If you hear scraping sounds from the undercarriage, stop immediately - it indicates potential underwater obstacles. And if the water level exceeds the center point of your wheel hubs, don't force your way through - just call a tow truck.
