FYI: Do Not Drive Your Jeep, Range Rover, HUMMER, or any other “Highly Capable” Vehicle Through a Big Body of Standing Water Just Because It’ll Make You Look Cool

Water is a powerful element. Do yourself and those you care about a favor and don't try to drive through deep water during flooding, even in a very capable truck or SUV.

This is what happens when you don't acknowledge

the limitations of your vehicle and heed nature's warning...

Don't be like this guy (me) a couple winters ago...

Michigan is flooding in places, particularly in Midland. But don’t be a bro. Be smart. Drowning is NOT COOL it turns out. Don’t drive your Jeep, or Range Rover, or anything else “highly capable” into a dangerous situation like a flood just because “you think its badass” or “the manufacturer said you can.” Most vehicles, even the most capable ones, can only handle up to a couple of feet of water (~30 inches) before everything goes downhill. And this water fording capability will vary based on the vehicle.

A very, very basic rule of thumb: If you can’t see the ground through the water, or if it looks like it’ll cover your whole hood (which means it’ll flood your engine) and you don’t have a snorkel, turn around. Don’t drive around barricades. And if you absolutely MUST drive thru standing water, drive steady and slow enough so you don’t cause a big wave. Check your brakes and other components after. But mostly - NEVER put yourself or your passengers in danger. 

Also, if not that, you at least don’t wanna submerge and ruin your fancy $30,000-$100,000+ SUV or truck, do you???

Range Rover (top) and Jeep Gladiator (bottom) water fording abilities.

Click for a larger image. Even the most capable vehicles have a limit. 

The flooding we're seeing far exceeds the capabilities of 

even the most capable cars. So don't try it - you're not invincible.

Your Car's Ability vs. Yours

For good reference, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator can wade in water up to 30 inches (2.5 feet). A 2020 Land Rover Range Rover can wade in water up to 35.4 inches (2.95 feet). That’s a lot of water! But guess what? There’s even MORE water than that in parts of Michigan – up to 9 feet of it I’ve heard! And some of it is rushing water! Yeah. Your Range Rover ain’t getting through that, bro. And neither are you.

So, take it from someone who’s slid their own Jeep into a ditch in a blizzard while just “having fun” and got stuck for two hours waiting for help – driving in hazardous conditions is never as cool as staying alive. Stay home (if you’re able), stay well and stay safe. Especially during this pandemic time (almost forgot about that, didn’t you?). If you must evacuate, still be careful and pack what’s needed. My prayers are with everyone affected in my home state. I’ve put links to a news story, resources for flood victims, and also on flood safety and driving below.

Links:

• https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Michigan-National-Guard-activated-to-help-with-Midland-flood-relief-570613961.html
• https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/on-the-road/flood-safety-tips/
• https://www.211nemichigan.org/covid-19.html
• https://www.abc12.com/content/news/See-how-you-can-give-to-Midland-flood-relief-get-information-on-investigation-570643401.html

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