Jeeps are rugged cars designed to tackle tough terrain across the sand and unpaved roads. However, can the jeep drive through the water? If you have a jeep such as a Wrangler JK or JL, you probably have asked yourself this question many times. Well, what Is the answer, then?
Most Jeeps can drive through the water. There is no question about it, but it is safe if the water depth is up to 19 inches. Driving through water more than 19 inches deep may be harmful for some Jeep.
Well, this is probably the shortest possible response to your question; later in this article, we will have a detailed discussion. Keep reading to find out more.
Can you drive the jeep in the water?
Just like any other car, you can drive a Jeep through the water.
But how deep can a jeep go underwater without damaging its internal components?
We have briefly mentioned the answer earlier. To reiterate, Most Jeeps can drive through the water. There is no question about it, but it is safe if the depth of water is around 19-20 inches. Driving through water more than that may be harmful for some Jeep.
What happens if you drive through the water and the water goes above the hood? The consequences will be bad. There is an airbox under the hood. Your engine sucks water and may die.
How do you drive a Jeep in the water?
If you have a jeep and live in an area where you might have to cross deep water very often, this part of the blog will help you a lot.
Here, you will get to know how to modify your jeep so that it can cross deep water without impacting its internal components.
1. Safeguard the Electronic components
Electronic components in most jeeps are water-resistant or waterproof. Still, you must be careful about the electronic elements inside the jeep. Several electronic components are vulnerable to water, and you must safeguard them.
You can waterproof several electrical components, including the fan, power distribution, and ignition switches. Make sure to consult with your distributor.
2. Safeguard the Exhaust
Jeep exhaust is like any other vehicle located beneath the car and is in contact with the water first than any other component. Most importantly, if the water gets in the car exhaust, it will stall and damage the engine.
Either you should not drive through the deep water or use a kit including vent tubes or a smog pump found in the market that will prevent water from entering.
3. Sealing Caps
There are different kinds of caps, such as oil caps and gas caps, or in some older models there are distributor caps. These caps in a jeep are essential for flexibility and functionality. If you want to drive through the water more than 19 inches deep, it is a good idea to seal these caps.
4. Install a Snorkel
A Jeep to be submerged in the water requires a snorkel. It can be installed on top of the windshield. Air goes through it, so the engine gets air even if it is submerged in the air.
Things to consider when driving a jeep in the water
When we drive through water, we do many things that are self-explanatory. Here are a few techniques you might want to know and help you safely drive through the water.
1. Drive Slowly
It is crucial that when you approach the flooded road, decrease the speed of the Jeep. Because if you drive fast, water under the tires won’t displace, and the car will roll over, resulting in friction loss and control over the vehicle.
2. Turn on Light
Especially at night when the visibility is poor, and you are approaching a flooded area, turn on the hazard light. It will help you to estimate the depth of the water. As mentioned, you should not drive if the depth is more than 3 feet.
3. Turn Off the AC
This is highly unlikely. Occasionally, water will enter the engine compartment and harm the fan if you don’t accurately estimate the depth and the area floods. Make sure to turn off the AC. Also, change the gear. If it is a manual transmission, set it to 1 and for automatic change accordingly.
4. Balance Acceleration
Make sure to keep the throttle in balance and high. Also, make sure to maintain the clutch. It will prevent the flood water from entering the engine through the exhaust pipe, and balanced clutch control prevents the engine from shutting off.
5. Keep going
While running through the water, make sure to keep going. Suddenly stopping the Jeep in the middle of the water. Look around and check the mirror to check the backside.
6. Increase Speed
Once you have successfully passed the flood area, start increasing the speed. Check your car and see if everything is alright.
What to Check After Driving Through Water?
Water is really bad for your jeep. Therefore, you should check your jeep’s internal components after driving through the water. Here is what you should do:
- Check the brakes if they get wet. If so, you won’t be able to grip them. So could you turn off the ignition and dry them?
- Next, check all the electronic components; though most components are water-resistant, you must still check the electrical connections.
- Check the engine’s behavior, listening to the sound of the engine. If you find anything unusual and don’t know what to do, get your vehicle to the mechanic’s shop.
- Check the fluid because there is a chance that flood water reaches the engine compartment and contaminates important fluids such as the engine or transmission oil.
- Check the underside of the jeep because dirt and debris may stick to the Jeep. Check the radiator, air filter, and bumpers.
FAQs
You probably have the answer to whether you can drive a Jeep in the water. Still, you might have some relevant questions. Here we have compiled a few frequently asked questions you might want to know.
How deep of water can a Jeep drive through?
Most Jeeps can drive through the water, there is no question about it, but it is safe if the depth of water is around 3 feet. Driving through water more than that may damage the internal components of the jeep.
Should I Get My Jeep Checked After Driving Through Water?
It is a good idea to check the vehicle after driving through the water. Especially if you drive through deep water. Here is a list of specific parts that you must check:
- Check the important fluid fluids, such as the engine or transmission oil.
- Check the underside of the jeep. Check the radiator, air filter, and bumpers.
- Check the brakes if they get wet. Next, check all the electronic components.
- Check the engine’s behavior, listening to the sound of the engine.
Is it harmful to the engine to drive through water?
It is not harmful to the engine to drive through the water as long as the depth of the water is less than 20 inches. If you drive through the water with more depth, there is a chance that the engine will suck water and die.
Does it hurt a Jeep to get wet?
If the water gets inside the jeep, it has many drawbacks, including the development of rust, damaging internal components, or a bad smell. More water, especially when the jeep submerges, might affect the brakes, wheel bearings, and many important joints.
How fast do I have to drive my jeep to drive on water?
As slowly as possible, you should drive when approaching the water. Irrespective of how deep the water is, your ideal speed should be nearly 1-2mph. More speed increases the chances of water entering the engine compartment.
Can drive through water damage transmission?
Very rarely water causes gears to slip, resulting in a damaged transmission. Also, water may contaminate the transmission fluid, which may cause the transmission to be unable to shift gears.
Conclusion
We believe by now you know what to do when driving through the water. Most jeeps can easily drive through water at 1-2 feet depth, while a few can drive through water more than 2 feet.
Therefore, do not go beyond the recommended limit while driving through water. As mentioned, you can safely drive through water at 19 inches or around 3 feet without damaging the internal components.
Finally, driving through water is nothing new for jeep owners. They are designed to tackle the off-road best. You have to follow a few rules: drive slowly and avoid driving through the water with more depth.
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