What is the wading depth of the Porsche 718?

[DeChristian]

The wading depth of the Porsche 718 is 525 millimeters. Here are the relevant details: Driving too fast can cause the engine to stall: When a car enters a waterlogged area, it stirs up the water and mud in the puddle, creating wave-like movements. If the speed is too high, water can easily splash onto pedestrians or vehicles in adjacent lanes, and in severe cases, it can obstruct others' vision and compromise driving safety. Moreover, if the water is too deep, splashed water may enter the engine's air intake, causing the car to stall. Driving too slowly can lead to exhaust pipe backflow: The exhaust pipe has a certain thrust that can prevent water from entering when submerged. However, if the speed is too slow and the water is too deep, the exhaust pipe's thrust may not be sufficient to prevent water from flowing back into the exhaust pipe. Therefore, while driving at a low speed in waterlogged areas is recommended, the speed should not be excessively slow.

[OliveFitz]

I've been driving my 718 for almost five years now, and the wading depth is something to be cautious about. There's no official figure, but from experience, around 250mm is the safest, with water not exceeding the midpoint of the wheel hubs. As a sports car, the 718 has a low chassis, and the air intake is near the front bumper, making it easy for water to enter the engine if the water level is too high, leading to short circuits, overheating, or hydro lock. Once, I drove through about 20cm of standing water in heavy rain, going slow and steady, and it was fine, but exceeding 30cm would be much riskier. When wading, remember to shift to a low gear and maintain steady throttle to prevent water from rushing in. Factors affecting this include the car's age and sealing condition, as well as tire size—newer cars may have better sealing, but it's still best not to take risks. After wading, always park and check if the air filter box is wet; regular maintenance should include cleaning the engine bay. The 718 isn't an SUV, and deep wading can damage the chassis wiring—safety first, so it's better to take a detour than to push your luck. On the road, if the standing water looks ankle-deep (15cm), you might try, but if it's up to your calves (25cm), definitely avoid it.

[EthanFitz]

Driving a Porsche 718 through water? Don't go too deep! My buddy's 718 almost got totaled last week when crossing a puddle—maximum wading depth is about 250 mm, equivalent to 25 cm of water. Because its air intake system is located under the front of the car, if water submerges that area, the engine will directly suck in water, leading to stalling at best or expensive repairs at worst. The 718's low-slung chassis design and small wheel size make it less waterproof than off-road vehicles. When driving through water, go slow and maintain a steady speed—no sudden throttle inputs. If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it; calling a tow truck is the smarter move. Water exposure can also damage interior electronics, like the AC or onboard computer. During rainy seasons, avoid flooded areas when driving daily, and regularly maintain the air intake to prevent blockages. The 718 is built for dry-road performance, not water play. Remember: if the water depth exceeds the center height of the wheels, retreat and enjoy driving safely.

[RachelFitz]

As someone who frequently works on Porsches, it's best to keep the wading depth of the 718 under 250mm. Its air intake is positioned low, approximately 20-25cm above the ground. Exceeding this depth risks water entering the engine, leading to hydro-lock or electrical shorts. Common issues include damaged sensors and soaked air filters. When wading, maintain a slow, steady speed and use manual mode to prevent auto-stalling. Afterwards, check the air intake box for drainage. The 718's chassis isn't designed for off-roading and has weaker sealing. Avoid deep water; if wading, don't exceed half the wheel height (~25cm). Regular maintenance improves wet resistance, but don't take unnecessary risks.