What is the maximum wading depth of the Bora?
2 Answers
The wading depth of the Bora is 350mm. The wading depth of the Bora 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 cars and small cars with low chassis, the position of the vehicle's air intake should be used as a reference when passing through waterlogged roads. If the air intake of the Bora 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 the vehicle enters the water, the auto start-stop function must be turned off to prevent the engine from automatically restarting after stalling in the water, which could cause severe damage due to water ingestion. Assess the underwater road conditions based on the passage of preceding vehicles and choose an appropriate 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 water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, or the wheels and doors of other vehicles as reference points to judge the water depth before deciding whether to proceed. Be aware of 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 recklessly; instead, choose an alternative route.
I've been driving my Bora for over five years. I remember one time after the rain, I drove through a deep water area about 20 cm deep, and the tires rolled over steadily without any issues. The maximum wading depth for a Bora is typically between 20 to 30 cm, depending on the model year—for example, newer models might approach 30 cm. Exceeding this limit can allow water to enter the exhaust pipe or air filter, causing the engine to stall or short-circuit. When encountering standing water, I always slow down to walking speed in advance to avoid creating waves that could raise the water level. After driving through water, don’t forget to check if the brake system is slippery, as this affects emergency braking performance. During the rainy season, it’s best to detour around deep water or use a short stick to measure the depth to avoid risks—this protects the engine’s lifespan and saves on repair costs. For regular maintenance, I always have the 4S shop check the condition of the sealing rings for wear.
