1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

How many inches of water can a Prius drive in before stalling?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by C.Bostic, Dec 9, 2013.

  1. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    3,779
    1,282
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Wow I just never expected cars to be floating around Long Island.

    The house is yours? If so what are your repair plans?
     
  2. Steve terry

    Steve terry Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2013
    217
    80
    0
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    If it can get to the bottom of your door then that is to deep. Have been on calls where people drive past the police barriors and drive through 2 feet of moving water. (A car can be swept away by 1 foot of moving water.) and they are screaming for help as their car is floating down the street heading into the creek. I do not want water to get into my car so only maybe 4 inches of water is my limit. Just think if you open your car door, will water get in. That is a good gauge.
    Read this link for water troubles CFS Press - Swiftwater Resue Books - Articles and Links

    What does it take to float a car? A rough rule of thumb is that each foot of water pushes against the broad side of a typical car with about 500 lbf (227 kgf) of force and displaces about 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Thus, two feet (less than a meter) of water will float most cars. However, a car can be washed away in less, depending on variables such as the speed of the current, the design of the car, whether the car is sideways or end-on to the current, and the type of bottom
     
    ftl likes this.
  3. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    2,652
    625
    15
    Location:
    Eau Claire, Wi.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    If it is raining I'm staying home!:unsure:
     
    cwerdna likes this.
  4. Feri

    Feri Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2011
    761
    144
    0
    Location:
    Maldon Victoria Australia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III

    I've been forced to keep going in unexpected flood water too. Water came up to mid way on the wheels. Drove very slow and no probs then or since.