What gear should be used for automatic transmission when wading through water?
2 Answers
For shallow water, the D gear is sufficient, while for deep water, the L gear should be engaged. Additional information: 1. D gear: Drive gear, also known as the forward gear. This gear is used when moving forward. 2. Low gear: This gear can be used to start and move forward when climbing a steep slope or starting on a significantly inclined slope. Principle: Engaging this gear restricts the car's gear to automatically switch only between low gears (equivalent to first and second gears in a manual transmission car), ensuring the car obtains maximum forward power. 3. L gear: When going downhill or descending a long slope, this gear restricts the car's gear to automatically stay in the lowest gear (equivalent to first gear in a manual transmission car), allowing the car to use engine power for braking during descent. This prevents the driver from having to press the brake for extended periods, which could overheat the brake pads and lead to danger.
When driving through water, it's best to use low gears for automatic transmission vehicles, such as L gear or 1st/2nd gear in manual mode. This keeps the engine at high RPM, preventing water from flowing back into the exhaust pipe and causing stalling or engine damage. I've personally encountered flooded roads during heavy rain—I only dared to proceed after confirming the water depth didn't exceed the midpoint of the wheels, maintaining a speed of about 10 km/h while keeping the throttle steady. After passing through, remember to lightly press the brakes a few times to dry them out and prevent safety hazards. Regular inspection of the vehicle's drainage system is also crucial, especially getting a comprehensive maintenance check before the rainy season to avoid problems at critical moments.
