What is the wading depth of the Atenza?
2 Answers
The maximum wading depth of the Atenza is 200mm. The wading depth of the Atenza 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 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 Atenza 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 air intake, and thus the maximum wading depth, can 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 if the vehicle stalls 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 an appropriate entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow their tracks at low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, use reference points such as warning water level markers, trees, or the wheels and doors of other vehicles to estimate 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 and consider taking an alternative route.
I've been driving the Atenza for several years as my daily commuter, and I often pay attention to water-wading issues. The recommended maximum wading depth for the Atenza is not to exceed the height of the wheel hubs, approximately 25 cm. I once drove through a shallow water area of 26 cm and passed smoothly, but anything deeper would be dangerous. One time during heavy rain, the water depth was estimated at 28 cm. I drove slowly, but water still splashed into the engine compartment, costing me over a thousand dollars in repairs. The air intake is located at the lower front of the car—if the water is too deep, it can be sucked into the engine and cause damage. When wading through water, maintain a steady, low speed and avoid braking or shifting gears to prevent stalling. After wading, check systems like the air conditioning and battery to prevent moisture damage. Overall, sedans have poor water-wading capability, so it's best to measure water depth before heading out during the rainy season—safety comes first. Frequent wading can also lead to rust on the chassis, so regular maintenance can help minimize issues.
