What are the precautions for driving through waterlogged areas?
2 Answers
Driving through waterlogged sections primarily requires ensuring that the engine's intake pipe does not take in water. If a large amount of water enters the intake pipe, it can reach the engine. Since water is incompressible, it can bend components like the connecting rod. Specific guidelines are as follows: Check water depth: When the water level is below half the wheel height, pass through using a low gear with high RPM at a slow speed. If the water surface approaches half the height of the car's tire, it's best not to drive. If the wading depth exceeds the hood, immediately turn off the engine, exit the vehicle, and push it to the roadside. When multiple vehicles are wading through water, do not enter simultaneously. Wait for the preceding vehicle to reach the opposite side before the following vehicle enters, to prevent the preceding vehicle from stopping due to malfunction and forcing the following vehicle to halt in the water.
Last time I drove home during a heavy rainstorm, I encountered quite a few common issues on waterlogged roads. My advice is, don’t impulsively drive into standing water—assessing the water depth is crucial: the water shouldn’t exceed half the height of your tires, and if the road ahead isn’t clear, take a detour. Maintain a slow and steady speed while driving, around 20 km/h, to avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration, which can prevent water from entering the engine and causing it to stall. Be especially cautious of the waves created by large trucks, as they can push your car, so keep a safe distance. If your engine stalls, never attempt to restart it immediately, as this could cause severe engine damage that’s hard to repair—waiting for rescue is the smarter choice. Afterward, check the air filter; if it’s wet, replace it promptly, and clean any mud or debris from the undercarriage. From my years of experience, the biggest risk on flooded roads is water short-circuiting the battery, so always test your lights and starting system afterward to ensure safety. Regular maintenance of seals can save you a lot of trouble during the rainy season. In short, safety comes first—it’s always better to take the extra time and detour.
