What is the maximum wading depth of the Beijing BJ40?
3 Answers
The maximum wading depth of the Beijing BJ40 is 80 centimeters. Below are precautions for driving a motor vehicle through water: 1. Drive in a low gear: Use a low gear (automatic transmission models can engage the hill-climbing gear), and slowly and steadily pass through the waterlogged area while maintaining control of the steering wheel. Be aware of any potholes or gaps beneath the water on the road. 2. Do not restart the engine after stalling: If the vehicle stalls in a waterlogged area, remember not to restart the engine. Engine stalling indicates that water has entered the cylinders. Restarting the engine can cause severe damage to the piston connecting rod components due to the incompressibility of water, potentially leading to complete engine failure.
I've taken my Beijing BJ40 to quite a few off-road sites. The maximum wading depth is around 650mm, which is a reliable figure for an SUV. In actual driving, you need to be careful when the water reaches the middle of the wheel hubs because the water pressure will test the vehicle's sealing. Exceeding 650mm significantly increases the risk of water entering the engine. I've modified mine with a snorkel, which increases the depth to 800mm, but don't expect the factory version to be that capable. When wading with this kind of vehicle, it's best to enter slowly and maintain a steady speed—sudden acceleration can cause water to rush in. The BJ40 does provide more safety on rainy days or flood-prone roads, but don't foolishly exceed the manual's specifications—many accidents happen due to overconfidence. Regular maintenance checks on tires and the air intake location are crucial, as repairs for water damage can be extremely costly.
As a new car owner, while researching the BJ40's specifications, I noticed the maximum wading depth is 650mm, which is the factory-tested data. This means the safety limit is set based on the height of the front air intake from the ground—water exceeding this level may enter the engine and cause it to stall. In actual driving, I use the water level reaching the midpoint of the wheel hub as a judgment, roughly the depth of a calf. The wading depth depends on the vehicle's underbody sealing design and air filtration system, and the BJ40 performs decently in this regard. However, it's worth noting that slippery or debris-laden underwater conditions can cause the vehicle to lose control, so it's best for first-timers to test in an open area. I've heard some owners install additional waterproof kits for extra safety, but excessive modifications may void the warranty. Checking tire conditions and road water depth before heading out in the rain is more practical advice for beginners.
