What is the wading depth of the Focus?
2 Answers
The wading depth of the Focus is 50cm. Here are the precautions for driving through water: 1. Assess the water depth: Determine the depth of the water. If the water does not exceed half the wheel height, it is safe to drive; otherwise, it is not advisable to continue. 2. Use snow mode: After entering a waterlogged section, slow down and drive carefully. For automatic transmission vehicles, it is best to use first gear and preferably switch to snow mode to prevent wheel slippage. 3. Continuous braking: After exiting the waterlogged section, apply the brakes several times in succession to evaporate the water from the brake discs to avoid affecting the vehicle's braking performance.
I remember once driving a Focus in heavy rain with standing water, and I specifically researched this issue. Ford hasn't provided official data for the Focus, but judging by its chassis structure and air intake position, the safe wading depth is approximately up to the center of the tires, around 30 cm. The exhaust pipe sits higher, so under normal conditions, water won't reach it. If you see water exceeding one-third of the tire height, it's best not to force your way through, because the actual depth increases when the wheels churn up waves. Modern cars have many electronic components—a friend of mine had his AC control panel short-circuit after wading. When driving through water, remember to use low gear and maintain a steady speed, avoid sudden braking, and lightly press the brakes afterward to dry them off. If you frequently encounter flooded roads, consider installing an air intake extension pipe.
