Driving through water can be as hazardous as any other terrain. The swift current, unknown bottom conditions, and possibility of engine damage can ruin a nice 4x4 outing. Check the depth and bottom conditions before you attempt to drive across a stream. Look to see where others have made it, and imagine what happens if your rig floats or gets washed downstream. Cross streams and rivers at an angle upstream to prevent the force of the water from pushing the vehicle downstream. This helps you keep going in a more controlled manner without getting moved downstream. Know where your engine air intake is, and be sure that it is not lower than the deepest part of the stream you are crossing. Many new vehicles have the air intake lower than the front bumper or in the fender. If water gets into the cylinders of a running engine it will hydrolock the engine, stopping it cold, and probably bending a rod. Avoid spinning tires when they are wet, as wet rubber cuts as easy as butter on sharp rocks. If you don?t believe us, take a piece of tire tread and try to cut it with a knife. Next, stick the knife and rubber under water and keep cutting. You?ll be amazed.
