What level of wind can a sedan withstand?

[JuneLee]

A stationary sedan can withstand typhoon levels between 12 and 14. Precautions for driving during typhoon weather: Different vehicles have varying resistance to typhoons. Generally, cars can withstand typhoon levels between 12 and 14. During typhoon conditions, it's best to avoid driving. If driving is necessary, reduce speed significantly and maintain safe following distance. Recommended parking locations to prevent vehicles from being blown away: Park vehicles in underground garages or open areas with good visibility. Never park under billboards, trees, or temporary makeshift structures.

[AdelineDella]

From my decades of personal driving experience, small cars can be quite challenging to handle in strong winds. Generally, with winds of level 5-6, which means wind speeds of 10 to 15 meters per second, you don't feel much, and it's fine for daily city driving. But when the wind reaches level 7-8, with speeds exceeding 17 meters per second, you'll noticeably feel the car drifting on the highway, especially when hit by crosswinds. Small sedans, due to their lower center of gravity, tend to sway more violently. Once, during a typhoon with level 9 winds around 22 meters per second, my car was blown off course, and I had to grip the steering wheel tightly to maintain control. Overall, there's no fixed wind level that small cars can withstand—it depends on speed, wind direction, and vehicle weight. When wind speeds exceed 20 meters per second (level 8 winds), it's advisable to slow down or avoid driving. SUVs might be slightly more stable but not by much. For safety, it's best to stay off the road during severe windy conditions.

[DiBella]

As someone who frequently follows automotive design, I know that sedans with a drag coefficient below 0.3 theoretically have good wind resistance, but strong winds can still be dangerous. When wind speeds exceed 20 kilometers per hour, wind resistance increases significantly. Driving in winds above level 7 (wind speed of 17 meters per second) can cause the car to shake and become unstable, especially lightweight small cars which are more prone to being blown off course. In the case of a level 10 typhoon with wind speeds of 32 meters per second, the car might even be flipped over, as design tests are only conducted in controlled environments. It's advisable to choose more wind-resistant SUVs or pickup trucks in windy conditions, but avoid driving in extreme weather altogether. Always check the weather forecast before driving, and avoid highways if wind speeds exceed 25 meters per second to protect both your car and your safety.

[LilaDella]

Our family usually drives small cars, and strong winds can be quite concerning. Driving in winds of force 5-6 is generally fine, similar to typical city winds. However, when the wind reaches force 7 or above, the car tends to sway noticeably at higher speeds. During typhoons, I've even experienced the car shaking significantly when parked outside. A wind speed of 20 meters per second is equivalent to force 8 winds, making driving particularly dangerous—it's better to drive slowly or just stay home. It's advisable to park the car in a garage or sheltered area before strong winds hit to avoid a lot of trouble, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.

[VanDelilah]

My experience as a car enthusiast tells me that small cars are quite vulnerable in strong winds. Driving is smooth and enjoyable with normal winds below force 5, but once the wind speed reaches around 25 meters per second (force 9), the resistance on the highway increases dramatically, causing the car to sway and lose control. Typhoon weather is even worse, with the risk of being blown over. Although wind tunnel tests are part of the design, extra caution is required when actual driving wind speeds exceed 30 meters per second—slowing down to stabilize control or stopping completely is more reliable. Don’t underestimate strong winds; they can instantly alter your driving trajectory.