Will water enter if it reaches just below the door edge?
2 Answers
Water may enter if it reaches just below the door edge. Theoretically, as long as the water does not submerge the air intake, it will not affect the engine. However, there are too many unpredictable factors, such as water waves caused by passing vehicles nearby, which may splash into the air intake. Additionally, it is essential to pass through slowly, and the underwater environment should be considered—while the water surface may appear calm, the conditions below are unknown and require attention. If the engine stalls while wading through water, do not attempt to restart it. The following three height references can help in making a judgment: 1. Exhaust pipe height: Safe wading height. During actual driving, as long as the engine does not stall, the exhaust pipe continuously emits exhaust gases, which prevents water from entering the pipe. Therefore, the concern during wading is not the exhaust pipe but the air intake. 2. Above half-wheel height: May cause water to enter the vehicle. Modern cars are equipped with various electronic components and sensors, and if the water level exceeds half the wheel height, water may seep in. 3. Air intake height: Maximum wading height. The air intake height is the most critical indicator for a vehicle's wading depth because once water enters the air intake, it can cause the engine to stall. In severe cases, water may be sucked into the engine, causing permanent damage. Thus, if the water reaches this level, driving should not continue.
I've been driving for over a decade, and it's quite common to encounter situations where water reaches just below the door sill during rainy days. Generally, when the water level just touches the bottom edge of the door, it won't immediately seep in because there's a door sill design that's slightly higher than the door edge, plus there's a sealing strip along the door gap. I remember driving on the highway during a heavy rainstorm last year, with rainwater splashing against the door edge, but the interior remained dry. However, if the water exceeds the sill level or if the sealing strip is aged or cracked, water can seep in. Regular maintenance is essential; it's recommended to check the door seals every six months, cleaning dirt with a damp cloth to prevent aging. During the rainy season, try to slow down when driving through puddles to avoid excessive water splashing against the door gaps. If water does get inside, promptly check the electronic wiring under the carpet to prevent short circuits and potential fires.