What Gear Should an Automatic Car Use When Crossing Water?

[TessaFitz]

After an automatic car enters water, using D gear is sufficient for shallow water, while L gear is needed for deeper water. Below are relevant introductions about vehicle wading: 1. Introduction to Vehicle Wading: Vehicle wading, as the name suggests, refers to driving a vehicle on low-lying, waterlogged roads, passing through water. This usually occurs during rainy weather in low-lying areas where inadequate drainage leads to water accumulation on the road. 2. Precautions for Vehicle Wading: Before wading, observe the road conditions carefully; maintain steady power while in the water; after wading, check the electrical system. If a car stalls in water, the main reason is water entering the exhaust pipe, and in some cases, there may also be electrical damage. Once a car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause water to enter the intake manifold and damage the valves, potentially leading to severe engine damage in serious cases. Instead, the car should be towed to a 4S shop immediately for professional handling.

[LaBrooke]

When driving an automatic transmission car through water, I choose to shift to a lower gear, such as L gear or manually fixing it in first or second gear in D mode. Lower gears help maintain stable engine RPM, reducing the impact of water waves on the intake and exhaust systems, preventing stalling or water ingress. Driving through water in a high gear can lead to water splashing in due to higher speed, causing engine stall or even damage. When encountering flooded roads, I first assess the water depth to ensure it doesn’t exceed the tire height, then proceed slowly and steadily without sudden acceleration. If the vehicle feels unstable during the process, I stop immediately to check. After crossing, I also monitor the dashboard for any warning lights to ensure no residual moisture affects the systems. These practices are based on transmission principles—lower gears provide higher torque, minimizing water resistance and avoiding costly repairs. Remember, safe water crossing is key—don’t risk it to save time.

[RyderAnn]

When driving an automatic transmission car through water, my suggestion is to shift to a low gear, preferably using the L gear or manually locking it into a low gear. This is because a lower speed allows for more stable control of the vehicle, preventing water from surging into the exhaust pipe and causing the engine to stall. From a safety perspective, I would observe the water depth before entering to avoid exceeding the height of the exhaust pipe; if the water is too deep, it's better to take a detour rather than risk it. Maintain a steady speed while crossing the water, and avoid sudden acceleration to prevent splashing. If, unfortunately, the engine stalls, never attempt to restart it—call for assistance immediately to avoid water entering the engine and causing severe damage. An additional tip is to check the brake system for wetness after crossing the water to ensure safe driving afterward. The entire process should prioritize risk prevention—being extra cautious can save you a lot of trouble.

[ElizabethAnn]

Having driven for many years, I'm used to shifting to a lower gear when encountering flooded roads. For example, when driving an automatic transmission car, I either shift from D to first gear or directly use L gear. Slowing down this way prevents issues with water waves. Once during heavy rain, I safely crossed a deep water area using this method without any problems. Beginners should note: never charge through at high speed in a high gear – water intake can stall the engine with serious consequences. Always check your car after wading; repair any issues promptly.