What is Tesla's wading capability?
1 Answers
Tesla can safely wade through water up to a maximum depth of approximately 138mm. Tesla's wading depth is determined by the height of the vehicle's chassis, which is the ground clearance listed in the model's parameter configuration table. Generally, the greater the ground clearance, the higher the chassis, and the higher the safety factor when driving through waterlogged roads. Therefore, in terms of safe wading depth, off-road vehicles and SUVs have obvious advantages. However, for most compact and small cars with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a benchmark when passing through waterlogged roads. If the air intake is below the water level while wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it will cause severe damage to the engine's mechanical components (such as connecting rods, pistons, crankshafts, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth must not exceed the height of the engine's air intake. The height of the air intake, and thus the maximum wading depth, can also be increased by installing a snorkel. If wading is unavoidable, the following safe and correct operations should be performed: Before wading, always turn off the auto start-stop function to prevent the vehicle from automatically restarting after stalling in water, which could cause severe engine damage due to water intake. Assess the underwater road conditions based on the passage of vehicles ahead and choose an appropriate entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. For roads prone to water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, or other vehicles' wheels and doors as reference points to estimate water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Know your vehicle's safe wading depth. If the water depth exceeds half the tire height or the engine's air intake, do not proceed and choose an alternative route instead.
