What is the wading depth of the Emgrand GL?
3 Answers
The maximum wading depth of the Emgrand GL is 300mm. The wading depth of the Emgrand GL 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 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 Emgrand GL 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 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 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, follow their tracks, and drive at a low speed. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, use warning water level markers, trees, or other vehicles' wheels and doors as reference points 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. Choose an alternative route instead.
The wading depth of the Emgrand GL is approximately 30 cm, which is the safe upper limit. I've driven this car for over two years and encountered several waterlogged road sections during heavy rains. If the water depth exceeds this limit, the engine is prone to water ingress, which can cause malfunctions, especially since the engine air intake is positioned slightly above the wheel. Once, I accidentally drove into a deep water area where the water level reached halfway up the wheels, about 25 cm deep. I drove through slowly without any issues, but it was still a nerve-wracking experience. If the water level had been any higher, the risk would have increased significantly, with potential short circuits in the car's electrical system and water seepage through door gaps. It's advisable to avoid deep water whenever possible. Before driving through, using a stick to measure the water depth is a more reliable method. The Emgrand GL's official manual doesn't specify an exact number, but the empirical value of 30 cm is generally accepted. When wading, maintain a slow speed of 10-15 km/h to prevent water surges from entering the air intake. In short, safety comes first—never force your way through deep water areas.
For those who frequently repair cars, the wading depth should be observed based on the position of the engine air intake. The air filter inlet of the Emgrand GL is approximately 30 cm high, so the water depth should not exceed this limit. I've seen many cars suffer from water ingress due to exceeding the wading depth, leading to costly and troublesome engine overhauls. When wading, drive slowly to maintain a low gear and high RPM, preventing water from surging back. A water depth exceeding 25 cm at the wheel center is dangerous, as submerged wiring harnesses or sensors can easily short-circuit. Although the Emgrand GL lacks official data, practical experience suggests 30 cm as the threshold—exceeding it is best avoided. After wading, inspect the chassis and remove mud to prevent corrosion. Remember, the safe depth isn't fixed; wet and slippery roads during rain increase the risk of losing control.
