What are the effects of driving through puddles at high speed on a vehicle?
2 Answers
If the height of the water wave reaches the level of the vehicle's air intake, it can directly cause the engine to stall. Below are precautions for driving at high speed: Excessive tire pressure: Excessive tire pressure or significant differences in pressure among the four tires can make the vehicle feel unstable at high speed. Moreover, large differences in tire pressure can also affect driving safety, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Additionally, smaller tires can cause the vehicle to feel unstable because they have weaker grip on the road, affecting stability during high-speed driving. Wheel rim deformation: After the wheel rim becomes deformed or loses its roundness, issues such as vibrations, deviation, and abnormal tire wear may occur during driving. When a tire encounters external impacts, such as driving over potholes or speed bumps at high speed, it can lead to slight deformation of the wheel rim. Tires with a low aspect ratio are more prone to wheel rim deformation.
I've experienced driving through puddles on highways many times, and it's extremely dangerous. The most immediate effect is losing control of the vehicle and skidding. It feels like the wheels are sliding on ice—you can't grip the steering wheel properly, and it shakes violently. If there are other vehicles or pedestrians nearby, an accident could happen in an instant. Additionally, water in the puddles significantly reduces braking effectiveness, making the pedal feel soft and unresponsive. It also splashes large amounts of water onto the windshield, instantly blurring visibility and doubling the danger. From a hardware perspective, water can seep into the chassis, causing electrical wiring to get damp and corrode. Over time, rust worsens, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. I recommend maintaining a steady speed or slowing down when approaching puddles, checking the condition of tire treads for proper drainage and grip, and prioritizing safety above all. Regularly applying waterproof coatings for maintenance can also prevent such issues—don’t make the same mistakes I did when I was younger and paid the price for rushing.
