How Do You Tackle Driving Through Flood Water In A 4×4?

The weather has been unusually wet recently, and even if you are not driving your 4×4 vehicle off-road, it’s still possible that you will encounter flood water on the main highways. It might be tempting to plough on as you may assume that the vehicle will be designed to handle water, but it’s still a danger and needs to be approached with caution. 

Here’s a look at how to safely handle water in a way that won’t have you hunting for 4×4 spare parts. 

Check the depth

4×4 vehicles such as Land Rovers have a higher ground clearance and higher air intakes than regular cars, so the largest models can have a wading depth of up to 900mm. Check the manual so you know the wading depth of your vehicle, and measure in use the depth measuring sensors on your vehicle to check how deep the water is.

Never plough blindly through water, and bear in mind that the wading depth is only applicable to standing water and not flowing water. A large 4×4 vehicle can be lifted and carried away by fast moving water of just 30cm, so never underestimate the power of water. 

Keep vigilant for submerged objects

It may not be possible to fully check a stretch of water for hidden objects before you drive through it, but if you can, do so. If you can’t and there is no alternative route and you do not have the option of turning back, then drive slowly and steadily in the middle of the road where the camber is highest.

Remember that you may hit a displaced drain cover that could damage your tyre, or debris if the weather has been stormy. If there is a vehicle in front of you passing through the water, wait until they have cleared it to avoid the possibility of getting stuck behind a stranded vehicle. 

How does Wade technology help Land Rover Defenders handle water?

The latest Defender model has a wading depth of 900mm, and is further enhanced by the latest engineering technology. One motoring journalist tested out the new system during an off-road adventure.

The article explains: “How the system works is by softening the throttle response and setting the heating and ventilation to recirculate air. It also turns off the start-stop function, locks the driveline and adjusts the ride height.”

“The Wade sensing can be activated and deactivated using terrain response. The exterior heating vents are closed off to prevent water ingress and our car fitted with air suspension automatically lifts the ride height to its off-road setting.”

So, there you have it! Don’t let the size of your vehicle lull you into complacency when driving through water, as a 4×4 doesn’t come equipped with the advanced features of an amphibious vehicle. 

However, they do offer the benefits of extra height and in the case of some Range Rovers, special technology that can help to handle the water very well.