What to Pay Attention to When Driving in Deep Water
3 Answers
When driving through deep water, shift into a low gear, maintain steady throttle, and proceed slowly. If the car stalls during the process, occupants should exit the vehicle immediately and avoid attempting to restart the engine, as this can damage the engine. Additional tips: 1. Slow down or stop to observe: When encountering waterlogged roads, check if the water level reaches the bumper or two-thirds of the tire height. If the water level is high, try to detour instead of forcing your way through. 2. Avoid stopping, shifting gears, or releasing the throttle: Besides maintaining a low speed, try not to stop, shift gears, release the throttle, or accelerate. Instead, drive steadily at a low gear with moderate throttle. 3. Do not restart the engine if it stalls: Take measures to tow the car to a safe area with less water as soon as possible. Water entering the engine is a serious issue—it can pass through the air filter into the intake valve and then into the cylinder block. Never attempt to restart the engine in this situation, as it may cause critical components like the crankshaft and connecting rod to deform, leading to engine vibration or even component breakage.
Driving through deep water requires extra caution. I once encountered road flooding after heavy rain and almost got stuck. First, stop to assess the water depth—if it reaches above the wheel hub center or exhaust pipe, never force your way through, as the engine could easily get flooded and ruined. Maintain a slow, steady speed in first gear to avoid splashing water into the engine bay. If the engine stalls midway, never restart it immediately, as this could severely damage engine components. After crossing, immediately check if the brake discs are wet, as water can impair braking. Also inspect the undercarriage and electrical wiring for damage, since impurities in rainwater may cause corrosion. Before the rainy season, make it a habit to check the car's sealing strips and air intake pipes to prevent such situations. Safety first—if the water is too deep, detour or wait for assistance.
When I was a new driver and encountered flooded roads for the first time, I was extremely nervous, but my instructor said to take it step by step. If the water depth exceeds half of the wheel height, don't risk driving through, as water could be sucked into the exhaust pipe or intake, causing engine damage. Drive slowly, maintain steady throttle and steering, and avoid sharp turns, as water currents can cause loss of control. Afterward, always check the brakes, wiring, and air filter, as moisture can lead to short circuits or rust. Additionally, before traveling during the rainy season, it's best to check your vehicle's wading depth—some SUVs are designed for higher clearance, but sedans should be more cautious. Remember the rule: if the water depth is unknown, don't act impulsively; it's better to take a detour than risk it.
