What is a Water Car?

[SanRiley]

There are two explanations. The first is that these vehicles cannot be registered due to tax evasion, hence they are called water cars, similar to how iPhones smuggled from Hong Kong by 'water guests' are referred to. The second explanation is that these are luxury cars from Europe, America, and the Middle East that cannot be directly imported into the country through customs. Instead, they are transported via waterways to neighboring countries and then smuggled across the border. Purchasing smuggled vehicles is already considered smuggling ordinary goods, and penalties are determined based on the amount of tax evaded. The consequences of smuggling are as follows: According to China's Criminal Law: 1. Articles 153 and 157 stipulate that individuals smuggling ordinary goods or items with tax evasion between 50,000 and 150,000 yuan will face up to 3 years imprisonment or detention, plus a fine of 1 to 5 times the evaded tax. 2. Tax evasion between 150,000 and 500,000 yuan results in 3 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 1 to 5 times the evaded tax; in particularly severe cases, the penalty is over 10 years imprisonment or life imprisonment, plus a fine of 1 to 5 times the evaded tax or confiscation of property. 3. Tax evasion over 500,000 yuan leads to over 10 years imprisonment or life imprisonment, plus a fine of 1 to 5 times the evaded tax or confiscation of property; in particularly severe cases, life imprisonment and confiscation of property are imposed.

[VanAustin]

I've heard that amphibious vehicles, commonly referred to as "water cars," are those that can operate both on land and in water. Originally military products, like the U.S. Army's DUKW vehicles during WWII designed to solve soldiers' river-crossing issues, they later evolved into civilian use. Nowadays, some brands produce custom models. A friend of mine in Florida used one during floods—no need to switch to a boat, just drive through flooded areas directly, saving time and being highly efficient. Key designs include a sealed chassis and a switchable propulsion system. However, drawbacks include high costs and more complex maintenance compared to regular cars, especially since post-water exposure, timely cleaning is essential to prevent rust. Overall, they're pretty cool, suitable for adventurers or users in special regions, definitely worth knowing about.

[VonBethany]

As a car enthusiast, I've delved into the mechanical details of amphibious vehicles: their engines power the wheels on land, then switch to water jet propulsion or propeller drive when entering water, ensuring a smooth transition. The body relies on waterproof seals and reinforced materials to prevent water ingress, and I've researched how their bearings are prone to corrosion in seawater environments, requiring regular replacement. Performance-wise, they typically reach 20-30 km/h on water—not as fast as speedboats but sufficient for emergencies. Before use, water depth must be checked to avoid sinking, and with specialized navigation systems aiding in waterway positioning, they're safer overall. These vehicles are engineering marvels but also challenge owners' skills.