You can carefully drive through water that comes up to the lower edge of the vehicle body.
1. Note the maximum wading depth of the vehicle.
2. Only drive through water in an area where the ground is solid underneath it remains lower than the maximum permissible wading depth.
3. Note the additional information for driving through water on paved roads ⇒ Driving through water on roads.
Before driving through water
Stop, get out and assess the situation ⇒
:
1. Measure the depth of the water all the way over to the other side. Make sure that the ground is firm enough and identify any dips and obstacles
2. Make sure that it is possible to safely enter and exit the water.
⇒
.
3. Check the ramp angle and firmness of the banks.
4. Select a suitable driving mode ⇒ Selecting the driving mode.
Driving through still or slow-flowing water
As long as the ground is firm enough, you can drive your vehicle through still or slow-flowing water
⇒
.
1. Drive into the water slowly and in the direction of the current. Never exceed the ramp or tilt angle.
2. Drive at a constant speed all the way to the opposite bank.
Driving at a constant speed prevents engine damage caused by the ingress of water. It also allows an air pocket to form in front of the engine, which fuels the
engine with the oxygen it requires. If you drive into the water too fast or drive through the water too fast, you will create a bow wave in front of the vehicle. Water fro
this bow wave may find its way into the engine's air intake port and seriously damage the engine.
Driving through fast-flowing water
The strength and speed of the current and the depth of the water can be dangerous and unpredictable
⇒
. Vehicles can be swept away by the current. Even
vehicles with generous ground clearance can get stuck if the ground beneath their tires is swept away. Flowing water backs up against one side of the vehicle,
making the water deeper on that side.
Do not take any risks. Look for a shallower place to cross the water or turn back.
After driving through water
1. Check the vehicle for damage.
2. Gently apply your brakes to dry them off.
WARNING
Flowing water can generate enormous power and can carry a vehicle away. This can lead to extremely dangerous situations, which could cause accidents and
serious or fatal injuries.
Never let the vehicle stop in water.
Soft ground, obstacles under the water, shallows, or water in the engine compartment can cause accidents and vehicle malfunctions in the water. This
can then lead to critical situations.
NOTICE
If you drive through water, vehicle components such as the engine, drivetrain, suspension, or vehicle electrical system could become severely damaged.
Never drive over salt, salt-covered surfaces such as salt flats, or through salty water. Salt can cause corrosion. Using fresh water, immediately rinse any
parts of the vehicle that may have come into contact with salt or salty water.
NOTICE
Objects in the water can enter the openings of the extended spray nozzles of the headlight washer system. The spray nozzles then cannot move back to their
basic position.
Do not use the headlight washer system when you are driving through water.
Driving in sand and mud
Refer to ⇒
and Safety precautions for driving off-road.
The ESC and ASR must be turned on ⇒ Braking assistance systems.
1. Select a suitable driving mode ⇒ Selecting the driving mode.
2. Select a suitable gear and stay in that gear until solid ground is reached ⇒ Shifting gears correctly.
3. Always drive at a consistent speed through sand or mud, do not shift manually, and do not stop.
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