the Prius and water

[silver-machine]

Here in normally sub tropical Sheffield UK, we are having quite a wet summer, with local flooding and standing water on a lot of the roads.

This got me thinking about the prius and water.

I know the manual says you should avoid driving the Prius in water, and I know that water and electricty don't mix. BUT how deep does water need to be before I need to turn my lovely prius around ?

[ServoScanMan]

We are having flooding in Central Texas as well. I recently drove my through water that came to the bottom of the floor board. But, I drove SLOWLY. I personally would not drive mine in water any deeper than the bottom of the floor board. I wouldn't want to take a chance of water coming inside the car. Just remember, it's a car not a boat.

[efusco]

standing water...you'd probably be safe to 4", I'd be nervous over 3".

[qbee42]

Wear rubber boots.

Tom

[Vincent]

My Prius loves water, I wash it every week.

[faith2walk]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silver-machine @ Jun 23 2007, 03:10 AM) [snapback]466791[/snapback]</div>

Here in normally sub tropical Sheffield UK, we are having quite a wet summer, with local flooding and standing water on a lot of the roads.

This got me thinking about the prius and water.

I know the manual says you should avoid driving the Prius in water, and I know that water and electricty don't mix. BUT how deep does water need to be before I need to turn my lovely prius around ? [/b]

If I remember correctly, at least here in the US, every car has to be able to clear 6 inches (that's the legal limit due to speed bumps). That being said, you could probably take it to 10 inches and be "safe," but that would mean moving very, very, very slowly and in standing water only. If the water was moving it might be enough to dislodge and carry your prius away.

I am going to avoid opportunities like this, but let me know what the results are if you decide to test it.

[JimN]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ServoScanMan @ Jun 23 2007, 09:11 AM) [snapback]466828[/snapback]</div>

We are having flooding in Central Texas as well. I recently drove my through water that came to the bottom of the floor board. But, I drove SLOWLY. I personally would not drive mine in water any deeper than the bottom of the floor board. I wouldn't want to take a chance of water coming inside the car. Just remember, it's a car not a boat.
[/b]

Pay attention to the "NO WAKE" signs. If you are creating a wake, you are driving too fast.

[silver-machine]

thanks for answers......Im absolutely cerain I wont be taking her into 10 inches of water - with the low clearance I think it would float away!

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silver-machine @ Jun 23 2007, 03:10 AM) [snapback]466791[/snapback]</div>

Sheffield UK, we are having quite a wet summer, with local flooding and standing water on a lot of the roads. [/b]

Oi, we are also having a nasty summer here in Manitoba. Lot's of torrential rains, the road to my hobby farm was flooded again. Fortunately the new FJ can handle 14 inches of water crossing no problems.

As far as the Prius, open the bonnet and notice where the petrol motor air intake duct is routed. You might be surprised! A surprising number of new cars have odd locations for engine air intake, supposedly to get a "ram" effect at highway speeds.

I would certainly avoid water over 5 inches deep, and NEVER charge through water that deep either.

[hill]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Jun 23 2007, 07:24 PM) [snapback]467018[/snapback]</div>

Pay attention to the "NO WAKE" signs. If you are creating a wake, you are driving too fast.
[/b]

If it's not too far accross, you can try the ol' 90mph trick ... skimming accross ... but not if it's too choppy