What are the precautions for driving a car through water?
2 Answers
Precautions for driving a car through water: 1. In case of heavy rain, if the windshield wipers cannot provide sufficient visibility, do not risk driving. Instead, choose a safe location to park and turn on the width lights, waiting until the rain lessens before continuing. 2. For vehicles on highways, if encountering heavy rain, immediately turn on the width lights and drive to the nearest service area or exit the highway as soon as possible. 3. When following, overtaking, or meeting other vehicles in the rain, increase the safe distance from other vehicles and the road edge appropriately. When encountering water on the road, first observe the depth of the water. If it exceeds the axle, it is not advisable to continue driving. 4. When entering a flooded area, maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead. On unfamiliar roads, follow the path taken by the preceding vehicle to avoid encountering obstacles in the water. 5. When entering water, proceed at a slower speed. Do not stop in the water. After driving through a flooded road, do not immediately accelerate to high speed. Ensure the brakes are effective before driving normally.
Through years of driving, I've accumulated some experience with water crossings. First, maintain a slow and steady speed when passing through water—avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking, as this can cause water to splash into the engine. Second, always check the water depth beforehand; ideally, it shouldn’t exceed half the height of the wheels. If visibility is poor or the water is too deep, decisively choose an alternate route. I once made the mistake of entering deep water, which led to engine stalling and costly repairs. After crossing, lightly press the brakes a few times to dry the brake pads and prevent subsequent failure. Keep windows and doors tightly closed to avoid water ingress and electrical hazards. Weather conditions are also crucial—exercise extra caution during heavy rain or floods, as road conditions may hide dangers.
