What is the wading depth of the Haval Big Dog?
2 Answers
The maximum wading depth of the Haval Big Dog is 900mm. The wading depth of the Haval Big Dog 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 Haval Big Dog 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 restarting automatically after stalling in the water, which could cause severe damage due to water ingress. Judge the underwater road conditions based on the passage of the vehicle ahead and choose a suitable entry point. Observe the path taken by other vehicles and follow it at a low speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. On roads prone to water accumulation, observe 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 the tire height or the engine's air intake, do not proceed and choose an alternative route instead.
I've driven the Haval Big Dog several times. As a rugged SUV, its official wading depth is about 560 millimeters, roughly up to the wheel axle height. In actual driving, like last time on a muddy rural road during rain, with water halfway up the wheels, the car passed through steadily with good power and sealing. Don't underestimate this value—driving through water carries significant risks. Once water exceeds half the wheel height, the engine might take in water and stall, or water could flood into electronic components. So, when encountering waterlogged sections, I usually get out first to measure the depth with a stick before deciding whether to proceed. During bad weather seasons, it's essential to regularly check the drainage holes under the car and the sealing of the intake system to avoid blockages. Overall, the Haval Big Dog's wading capability is sufficient for urban floodwaters or light off-roading, but safety always comes first—don't take unnecessary risks.
