What is the wading depth of the Explorer?
2 Answers
The air intake of the Explorer is located near the edge of the hood at the height of the headlights. The safe wading position is half the wheel hub, approximately 30cm in height. Below is relevant information: 1. Maximum wading depth: The maximum wading depth refers to the distance between the tire contact point and the engine air intake, known as Wattiefe in English. The maximum wading depth is the greatest depth a vehicle can safely pass through under secure driving conditions, also referred to as the safe depth. It is a crucial indicator for evaluating a vehicle's off-road capability; the greater the maximum wading depth, the stronger its wading ability. 2. Impact: If the air intake is below the water level during wading, water can be sucked into the engine's cylinders. Unlike air, water cannot be compressed, which can cause severe damage to the engine's mechanical components. Therefore, the wading depth must not exceed the height of the engine air intake. The height of the engine air intake, and consequently the maximum wading depth, can be increased by installing a snorkel.
I recall that the Explorer's wading depth is generally around 500 millimeters, which is about half a meter. This means it can safely pass through calm water surfaces, but water pressure and flow risks should be considered. The core reason is that the air intake is positioned roughly at this height—once exceeded, water may enter the engine, causing severe damage or even a breakdown. When driving in rainy weather or shallow waters, I refer to this data to proceed cautiously, avoiding risks from fast-flowing water or uneven road conditions. As an urban SUV, the Explorer has decent wading capability but can't match professional off-road vehicles, so don't recklessly venture into deep waters. Keep the speed low, scout less flooded areas first, and prioritize safety—after all, post-wading, you should still inspect the vehicle for rust or electrical faults.