Driving through a Ford

[Muffin]

We have a number of Fords around my area which do get high of water I’m very reluctant to go through one . Is it best to keep clear of them

 

[fred12345]

We have a number of Fords around my area which do get high of water I’m very reluctant to go through one . Is it best to keep clear of them

I'm sure there is a bit in instructions mentioning it. the battery is supposed to be sealed but do you want to risk it? not going to be covered by warranty, I'm sure.

 

[DB Go Rex]

There's more risk in an ICE car due to ingestion of water into the air intakes.

Having said that, if the water is deep, you probably want to give it a miss like any car due to other risks like loss of control etc.

 

[Bam Bam]

We have a number of Fords around my area which do get high of water I’m very reluctant to go through one . Is it best to keep clear of them

What car have you got?

A ZS is a bit taller than an MG4 I expect.

I wouldn't attempt a focus, but if you're feeling brave you could go for a fiesta.

 

[Coulomb]

A ZS is a bit taller than an MG4 I expect.

Yes, but the ground clearance is only about 19mm more (ZS EV versus MG4, from a quick search). Different models have different wheel sizes, which probably affect the ground clearance. The ZS battery may be in a different position relative to an MG4 or MG5 since the ZS is not a ground-up EV (uses an ICE chassis).

 

[decrep]

From other threads about driving through water, the battery should be fine. The biggest risk is floating and drifting downstream/wind. If that happens open a door and flood the car, that should get the wheels back on the ground, but won't do the carpet any good

 

[ozzz]

If it’s that deep use a boat, why would you risk it

 

[decrep]

Going real slow is the best bet, doesn't create a bow wave or high pressure water flying about, and gives you the chance to change your mind if it looks like getting too deep. Doing a walk through first isn't a bad idea either if you're unsure about road conditions.
fords are probably made to have water over them. But an unusual flood can wash the road surface away, leaving big holes.

 

[ozzz]

And ? up north

 

[Andrew Sinclair]

If it’s that deep use a boat, why would you risk it

I agree, a boat would be better.

 

[fred12345]

 

[Piperman]

View attachment 30763

True words to note and take heed of.
If the road is flooded to the extent that you are unsure of its depth.
React to your instinct and keep out.

 

[dspencer12345]

I know somebody who drove a brand new BMW EV, with less than 200 miles on the clock, through a ford. The car was written off. I certainly wouldn't drive an MG through one after that story, and avoided the recent floods because of it.

 

[Wendwell]

We have a number of Fords around my area which do get high of water I’m very reluctant to go through one . Is it best to keep clear of them

I would not risk. 21 EVs caught fire during Hurricane Ian. Salt water may have been a factor as it far more dangerous for EVs than fresh water. Then there is the Edinburgh couple who got a £17,000 bill from Tesla after drving in heavy rain.

 

[BishiBoshi]

Go for it!

 

[dgs99]

No problem I regularly drive my MG5 through a ford on river Sid. The battery is as watertight as a submarine.

 

[DB Go Rex]

I know somebody who drove a brand new BMW EV, with less than 200 miles on the clock, through a ford. The car was written off. I certainly wouldn't drive an MG through one after that story, and avoided the recent floods because of it.

The reality is ICE cars are much more likely to receive terminal damage in deep water than BEVs.

Hydrolock within the engine, oil contamination, fuel contamination, including, ironically, electrical failure are all things on ICE cars in water.

But, as has been previously stated, it's good stay out of the deep water regardless of car type.

 

[Maggieroth]

Going real slow is the best bet, doesn't create a bow wave or high pressure water flying about, and gives you the chance to change your mind if it looks like getting too deep. Doing a walk through first isn't a bad idea either if you're unsure about road conditions.
fords are probably made to have water over them. But an unusual flood can wash the road surface away, leaving big holes.

Fords can also be very slippery, even when the weather is mild and the water not deep. I have found myself going unexpectedly sideways - make sure you are driving straight before entering the ford

 

[decrep]

Fords can also be very slippery, even when the weather is mild and the water not deep. I have found myself going unexpectedly sideways - make sure you are driving straight before entering the ford

That could be the current, driving straight probably won't help much

 

[Maggieroth]

That could be the current, driving straight probably won't help much

In this case it was a very slimy road surface from rotting vegetation then with a (2cm?) covering of water - not enough depth of water for the current to be an issue to cause drifting but a very slippery result