Which Gear to Use When Driving in Water

[LeHannah]

Generally, use 2nd gear to drive slowly because it provides higher torque and keeps the engine RPM around 2,000. This ensures strong power output, and even if water submerges the exhaust pipe, there's no need to worry about water ingress. However, avoid driving for too long. Using 1st gear is not recommended as it can easily stall the car, leading to water entering the exhaust pipe and making it difficult to restart the engine. Pay attention to the water depth and braking to prevent engine stalling and brake failure. On rainy days with waterlogged roads, always check the water depth. If the water exceeds the height of the exhaust pipe, it can easily cause the vehicle to stall, so try to stick to shallow water routes. If you must drive through deep water and the depth exceeds half the tire height, proceed with caution. After passing through, check the foot brake and handbrake, as their effectiveness may weaken after being submerged. If the water depth is confirmed to exceed the entire tire height, it's best not to proceed—otherwise, the engine may stall, leaving both the vehicle and passengers in an awkward situation. In such cases, detour or wait until the water level drops before attempting to cross.