What are the precautions for driving through waterlogged areas?
4 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.
Last time when driving with my buddies in the rain, there were plenty of water-filled potholes. I think before driving into water, one should stop and observe: if the water depth exceeds ankle height, proceed with caution and find a reference to gauge. Drive slowly at a steady pace, don't stomp on the accelerator; if the wheels skid, don't panic, just steady the steering wheel. After stalling, don't attempt to restart, calling for a tow is the best move; don't risk pushing the car, as it's easy to get stuck in the mud. Checking if the air filter is soaked is crucial. Roads are slippery during the rainy season, and visibility is poor, so I must remind everyone to keep windows tightly closed to prevent water splashes. Regularly pay attention to the vehicle's condition, such as whether the tires have sufficient grip, to ensure smooth commuting. Don't drive like it's a race, just get through steadily.
When driving with my child, I often encounter waterlogged roads and need to be extra cautious. I check road conditions in advance to avoid deep water areas. When encountering water, I drive through slowly at a steady speed to prevent the car from hydroplaning. High water temperature can cause stalling, so after stopping, avoid touching the engine; check the air filter and electrical circuits. Safety is paramount—never risk crossing deep water, even if it means being late. Afterwards, wash the car to remove mud and protect the undercarriage.
