To what level can a car be submerged in water without damage?
2 Answers
When a vehicle is submerged in water, the main concerns are damage to the engine and electrical systems. Generally, as long as the water level is below the air intake, it is safe. Different car models have varying heights for the engine air intake and different levels of electrification and lowest electrical component positions. In most cases, if the water level slightly exceeds the floor of the cabin, it is not a problem. Below is relevant information: 1. If the water level just reaches the chassis, as long as it is not submerged for an extended period, there should be no major issues. Regarding a car's wading depth, it is commonly measured by half the height of the wheels. This guideline is for reference only, and actual conditions should be considered. Generally, as long as water does not enter the engine air intake, it is not a concern. 2. If the vehicle stalls due to water submersion, remember not to restart the engine. Forcing a restart may cause the engine to ingest more water, leading to severe damage.
I think it's usually fine if the water level reaches below the center of the wheels, as long as it doesn't submerge the engine air intake. The air intake is generally near the bumper, roughly at half the height of the wheels. If the water only reaches the bottom of the tires, the chassis and engine components remain safe. But remember, never start the engine, as water entering through the exhaust pipe or air intake can damage internal engine parts. Once, I parked during heavy rain with water reaching the bottom of the wheels, and after checking, I found no issues—just needed to clean the water from the carpets afterward to prevent rust. In short, the risk is low when the water level is shallow, so just stay alert and avoid deep water areas.
