What is the appropriate water depth for a sedan to pass through?
3 Answers
Most vehicles are suitable for water depths not exceeding 30cm. For the crucial intake part, the general height is around 70cm. More details about the water wading depth of cars are as follows: 1. Introduction 1: Since the exhaust outlet is lower than the intake, referring to the position of the exhaust pipe is very safe. Once the water depth exceeds the height of the exhaust pipe, the probability of the vehicle stalling increases. 2. Introduction 2: The height of the exhaust outlet from the ground for ordinary sedans is 20 to 30 centimeters, while for SUV models, it is 30 to 40 centimeters. Therefore, as long as the water does not exceed two-thirds of the tire height, the owner can drive with confidence. 3. Introduction 3: When the water depth is one-third of the tire height, it can be safely passed through. When the water depth exceeds half of the tire height, caution is required, as this situation can easily cause water to enter the car.
As an experienced driver, I believe it's generally safe if the water level doesn't reach half the height of the tires, which is about 15 cm for sedans. However, the key is to assess the road conditions—if the water is still flowing, don't force your way through, as there might be hidden potholes underwater. Two years ago, my friend's car had its engine flooded in 30 cm deep water, costing over 8,000 yuan in repairs. Here's a practical tip: after driving through water, lightly press the brakes while driving for a short distance to drain the water from the brake discs, otherwise they might rust and make noise the next day. Also, when parking, always note the position of the lowest chassis component, such as the exhaust pipe, which usually has less ground clearance than the wheel hub center.
With eight years of ride-hailing experience, judging sedan wading depth depends on two key points: water level should not exceed the wheel hub center mark (about 1/3 of tire diameter), and watch for waves entering the air intake. During last heavy rain while transporting passengers, encountering 20cm deep water, I had passengers walk ahead to check depth before crossing. Special note: hybrid models have battery packs under chassis - manufacturers advise against exceeding 10cm water depth. For deeper water, engage low gear, maintain steady throttle for smooth passage - lifting throttle mid-crossing risks stalling.
