What to Do When Encountering Water Accumulation While Driving?
2 Answers
When encountering water accumulation on the road while driving, the first step is to slow down or stop to observe. If the water level reaches two-thirds of the bumper or tires, driving through it poses certain risks. High speed increases the actual water depth the car passes through, potentially allowing water to enter the cabin from the engine compartment or chassis. Avoid driving against waves created by large vehicles. If observation shows a high water level, it's best to detour rather than force through. When driving through water, maintain a low speed, avoid stopping or shifting gears, keep the throttle steady without retracting or accelerating. Drive through at a low gear with moderate to high throttle at a constant speed, avoiding fast speeds that create large waves or splashes. If the car stalls in water, do not restart it immediately; instead, take measures to tow the car to a safe location with less water as soon as possible. Water entering the engine is a severe issue; it can enter through the air filter into the intake valve and then into the cylinder block via the intake pipe. Do not attempt to restart the engine under any circumstances, as this could cause deformation of critical components like the crankshaft and connecting rods, leading to engine vibration or even breakage. Stalling in water likely means the engine has taken in water; after stalling, only tow the car in neutral to a repair shop for cleaning. After driving through water, promptly remove moisture from the brake pads, especially for cars with drum brakes, to prevent loss of braking capability, which could lead to severe hazards or accidents. The specific method is: drive at low speed while lightly pressing the throttle and gently applying the brakes. Those who cannot perform both actions simultaneously can press the brakes multiple times, ensuring the speed remains slow. Repeat this process several times to generate heat through friction between the brake drum and pads, evaporating and drying out the water.
Encountering standing water while driving indeed requires calm handling. I always observe road conditions in advance during rainy weather. If I spot standing water ahead, the first thing is to slow down gradually. Never stomp on the accelerator to rush through, as this could raise water waves to submerge the air intake and cause stalling. If water depth exceeds half the wheel height, it's advisable to detour or turn around immediately - forcing through carries excessive risk. When maintaining steady low-speed first-gear passage, grip the steering wheel firmly to avoid deviation. Should the vehicle stall in water, absolutely avoid restarting the engine, as this could severely damage it. Those with modified vehicles might consider installing a snorkel to raise air intake height, but for non-specialized vehicles, stopping immediately upon encountering water is safer. Remember to gently pump the brakes several times after passing through to expel moisture, and regularly inspect the undercarriage and electrical systems to prevent corrosion.
