Why Can Off-Road Vehicles Drive in Water?
2 Answers
Below are the reasons why off-road vehicles can drive in water:1. Off-road vehicles have certain wading capabilities: They can drive in water because the water is not deep enough to cause the engine to stall. The air intake and exhaust ports of off-road vehicles are relatively high, giving them some wading ability. Driving is based on the premise of not stalling. Off-road vehicles have a specified wading depth when they leave the factory, usually around 500 millimeters. 2. Modifications: Wading capability can be increased through modifications. Most modifications first involve waterproofing electrical components and connectors, followed by raising the intake pipes and air filters out of the engine compartment. It should be noted that after installing a raised air intake pipe, the vehicle's power will be affected to some extent, and fuel consumption will increase significantly.
When I go off-roading in my SUV, I often drive through water, mainly because it's designed to be particularly waterproof. The ground clearance is high, and the undercarriage isn't smooth, so water doesn't easily surge up. The air intake is positioned high on the hood, allowing air to be drawn into the engine normally while keeping water out. The body seams have sealing strips to prevent water from seeping into the cabin. Once, I encountered a relatively shallow river where the water only reached halfway up the wheels—I drove through effortlessly without any issues. However, remember not to go too deep; generally, the water shouldn't exceed the height of the exhaust pipe or the side of the body, as each vehicle model has specific wading depth limits. After driving through water, promptly check the chassis and electrical systems to ensure no water has accumulated and corroded parts. This way, you can off-road more freely and boldly.
