Max Flood Water height?

I'm not sure but I would avoid driving thru any water higher than the bottom plastic and the car jambs. When in doubt, get out and walk thru the area ahead. Most modern cars do very bad driving thru any amount of water higher than 6 inches or so.

 

No idea - but here, driving through water at knee level would be illegal. Modern cars are much less forgiving than old ones.



The reason it's illegal here is because this could happen - and they don't want to get the Swift Water Rescue Service out AGAIN.

 

I would say its best to get a ride with a friend (possibly one with a truck) or a TAXI, no sense on risking your car over driving into water too deep and then having to deal with a flooded out car. We had 15 inches of rain fall in a town on a freak storm and too many people had to get tows and repairs for driving their car where they should have never went (non hybrid). With the prius dropped even another inch lower than previous generations, it would be a poor choice to take it out on flooded over roads.

 

As the National Weather Service (NWS) here is the US says...."Turn around...don't drown"... which IMHO is good advice for you and your Prius...

 

Our Police say "IF IT'S FLOODED, FORGET IT".

Not sure if your insurance will cover damage - a few years ago, I read about Rental vehicle insurance cover that they're covered if you're moving them AWAY from flood waters, but not if you ENTER floodwaters with them.

 

Didn't the old VW Beetles float?

 

Been sick as a dead bloated dog these days. Hopefully this virus will run its course soon.

 

Safely.....I'd say that perhaps one inch below the rocker panels would be safe.
But that is a guess.

Any water soaking, perhaps even constant splashing, a wiring loom I'd add could cause car problems.
Also I add to keep the water level below the wheel bearing height.

Scuba can be a fun hobby...haha.

Good luck.

 

I had to cross a creek once in my Gen.1 Prius, water got a little over the door jams in the middle of the stream, but overall, did well and had no issues. It was also fresh water, too. And not dirty.

 

Folks drown in their cars in creeks here every week it seems. I turn around the minute high water appears because you lose control and will hit something or end up in a creek...usually with your car upside down. Or they just run off a dry road and drown in the creek. Either way, cars ain't made for creeks. When they say stay off the road, they mean it. And I am a wonderful swimmer. We all can drown.

 

We've had flash flooding in various parts of Australia recently where people have had to be rescued (at great time and expense) or even died. I feel sad and disappointed by the stupidity of people who think they can drive through flooded roads. Sadly they often pay for their stupidity with their own lives or the lives of others.

Just don't do it.

 

Agreed - some here relate to roads which wash away - but it's not obvious. You fall in.

 

is there anything in the o/m?

 

Let's face it -- if you really want to drive in any significant amount of water, leave the PRIUS in your garage and grab a LANDCRUISER instead!

 

Just says don't drive on flooded roads.