What is the general wading depth for SUVs?

[DiHarmony]

The general wading depth for SUVs is 300-400mm. The wading depth is determined by the height of the vehicle's chassis, which is the ground clearance listed in the vehicle'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 vehicles with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a benchmark when driving through waterlogged roads. If the air intake 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 severe damage to the engine's mechanical components (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 driving through water, 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 entering the engine. Assess 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. For roads prone to water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, or reference points like 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 height of the tires or the engine's air intake, do not proceed and choose an alternative route.