What is the wading capability of the Model 3?

[LeahFitz]

Tesla Model 3 has a maximum wading depth of approximately 138mm. The wading depth of the Tesla Model 3 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 passing 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 Tesla Model 3 is below the water level during wading, water will be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed like air, it can cause severe damage to the engine's mechanical components (such as connecting rods, pistons, crankshafts, etc.). Therefore, the wading depth must 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, 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 ingestion; Assess the underwater road conditions based on the passage of preceding vehicles and choose an appropriate entry point. Follow the path taken by other vehicles and drive at a low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration; On roads prone to water accumulation, observe warning water level markers, trees, and other 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 of the tire height or the engine's air intake, do not proceed and choose an alternative route instead.

[Everdeen]

I often research electric vehicle performance. As an electric car, the Tesla Model 3 has better water wading capability than gasoline vehicles because it doesn’t have an engine air intake to worry about water ingress. Both the battery and motor are well-sealed. The official recommended maximum wading depth generally does not exceed 25 cm from the lowest point of the chassis, roughly half the wheel height. Never exceed the center of the wheel hub. When driving through standing water, it’s best to keep the speed slow, not exceeding walking pace, to avoid splashing water waves that could impact the electronic systems. Driving an electric vehicle through deep water may cause high-voltage wiring short circuits or even battery damage, which can be extremely expensive to repair. If you encounter heavy rain, it’s safer to detour. Also, avoid parking in low-lying areas.

[DiCameron]

From personal experience, you really need to be careful when driving a Model 3 through puddles. Last time I tried with a shallow layer of water, it was fine. The wading depth was estimated to be around 20 cm, and it still functioned normally. However, when it's deeper, you can feel increased resistance under the car. The official manual doesn't provide exact data, only warning against recklessly driving through deep water. The maximum wading capability depends on the quality of the seals, and speed control is also crucial. Driving too fast can push water waves, potentially flooding the sensors, causing malfunctions or even short circuits, which can affect the assisted driving functions and trigger error reports, leading to more trouble. It's recommended to regularly check the sealing strips around the wheels and the battery casing for any cracks to prevent water seepage.

[Winter]

The wading capability involves design factors including ground clearance. The lowest point of the Model 3 is approximately 140mm, which may allow water ingress in deep conditions. The recommended maximum safe depth is within 25cm. Additionally, water pressure is related to vehicle speed - driving slowly reduces risk, while excessive speed can push water and increase effective depth. Although electric vehicles have the advantage of no exhaust system, their high-voltage components are prone to malfunction when exposed to water. It's best to avoid wading whenever possible.