What is the actual wading depth of the Equinox?
2 Answers
The actual wading depth of the Equinox is 500mm. The wading depth of the Equinox 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, the advantages of off-road vehicles and SUVs are obvious. 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 of the Equinox is below the water level during wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it will cause serious damage to the engine's mechanical structure (such as connecting rods, pistons, crankshafts, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth should not exceed the height of the engine's air intake. The height of the engine's 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 engine from automatically restarting after stalling in water, which could cause severe damage due to water ingress. Judge the underwater road conditions based on the passage of vehicles ahead and choose a suitable entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at a low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to waterlogging, observe warning water level markers, trees, and reference points such as the wheels and doors of other vehicles to estimate the 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 attempt to drive through; instead, choose an alternative route.
I often take my Equinox off-roading in muddy areas, and I've tested its wading depth to be around 500mm, which is about half a meter deep. That time after heavy rain in the countryside, the puddle was up to my thighs, but the car drove through steadily without stalling. The high ground clearance of 180mm is definitely an advantage. However, don't risk going too deep—water above the air intake can flood and damage the engine. It's safer to drive slowly and avoid strong currents. I recommend using a stick to measure the water depth beforehand or checking roadside water markers for reference. Also, before heading out in the rain, make sure the tire tread grooves aren't clogged.
