What is the wading depth of the Explorer?
3 Answers
The wading depth of the Explorer is 600mm. The wading depth of the Explorer 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, 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 reference when passing through waterlogged roads. If the air intake of the Explorer 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 driving through 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 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. Know 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 choose an alternative route instead.
As a seasoned driver who frequently takes the Explorer on long-distance trips, my experience is that this vehicle's wading capability is around 70 cm. Once after a heavy rain, I measured the water level to be about 70 cm deep, just reaching the lower edge of the front bumper, and the Explorer drove through steadily without stalling. However, remember to turn off the auto start-stop, maintain a low and steady speed, and avoid shifting gears. If you modify and lift the chassis, you might gain an extra 10 cm, but the transmission vent tube could get submerged. The factory data of 70 to 80 cm is quite reliable, similar to SUVs like the Discovery Sport. If the water depth exceeds the center of the wheel hub, don't force your way through. Keeping a tape measure in the car is the most practical solution.
Just returned from a self-driving camping trip with the kids. When fording water in the Explorer, I specifically studied the manual. The official maximum wading depth is 700mm, about knee height for an adult. Actually crossing streams revealed the air intake is designed at hood height, so normal water levels won't risk water ingestion. But watch the coolant temperature - strong currents might destabilize the vehicle. I personally only dare attempt shallow crossings under 50cm, since water damage to electronic modules is prohibitively expensive to repair. After rain, always check preceding vehicle tracks through standing water, and avoid being the lead car whenever possible.
