Navigating water crossings in your 4x4 is a thrilling challenge that can turn any adventure into a story worth telling.
But if you’re not prepared, what starts as an exciting journey can quickly become a horrifying nightmare. So, you should know how to handle your vehicle in water before going on an adventure.
Ready to make a splash? Here are the best tips and tricks for water crossing, including challenges you can experience and how to handle them.
#1 Know Your Vehicle’s Strengths and Weakness
Before you take your trusty 4x4 on an adventurous water crossing, do a quick checkup:
- How deep can your vehicle wade through water? Most can handle up to 600mm.
- Where is your 4x4 air intake located?
- Are there any sensitive computer parts in vulnerable spots?
- Do you have good old-fashioned windows or fancy electric ones?
- Are the transmission breathers and axles well-placed? Do they need extending to keep water out?
- What part of your 4x4 needs shielding from water damage?
- Have you kept up with your vehicle’s maintenance?
#2 Inspect the Water Crossing
Here’s the golden rule of examining the water crossing: if you can, take a walk through the crossing first. It’s the best way to assess the situation and find any sneaky rocks or logs. Alternatively, use a sturdy branch to rest the depth or feel around for obstacles.
Here is what you need to know before crossing water in your 4WD:
- Check the depth to see what you are getting into.
- Know the entry and exit angles to maintain maximum control.
- Feel out the bottom of the crossing. Is it solid like a rock, soft like sand, or slippery like mud?
- Check for any hidden obstacles that can throw your plan off track.
- Observe the current speed.
- Measure the length of the water crossing.
Whatever you choose to do, trust your insBottom tincts. If the current is too strong or the water is sketchy, don’t push it. Your safety comes first. So, when in doubt, back out.
#3 Know the Terrain at the of the Water Crossing
Take a look at the different bottom terrain types and how they affect your off-roading adventure:
- A solid, rocky bottom or a nice compacted gravel is the smoothest road for water crossing.
- Sandy bottoms are not too shabby either. But watch out, because they can spin and sink your wheels.
- Muddy bottoms are the absolute worst because it feels like you’re trying to navigate through a slippery mess.
So, on your next water crossing adventure, take a peek and gauge what you're dealing with. It could make all the difference in your 4x4 experience.
#4 Check the Tyre Pressure
Your 4x4 should have the proper tyre pressure for a successful water crossing. Air down the tyres to allow them to spread out more and provide a better grip.
For muddy or sandy areas, opt for a tyre pressure of around 15 psi to create a longer and wider tread, giving you that extra grip to power.
For rocky, slippery bottoms, air your tyres to a pressure of 20 psi to handle rough and uneven surfaces.
#5 Know When You Need To Find a Different Water Crossing
Here’s the deal—water can be sneaky. If it’s deeper than your 4x4 undercarriage and it’s rushing by like it’s got somewhere important to be, it can actually lift your whole vehicle and carry it downstream. Not exactly a fun ride.
Always scope out the shallowest spots with slow-moving water and a solid bottom. Rethink your crossing plan if:
- The water swallows your legs up past your knees when you try to walk across.
- You're struggling to keep your footing because of the depth or the current.
- The water level is higher than your undercarriage.
- The bottom feels like you're wading through a mud pit.
- You're dealing with floodwaters.
It’s always better to take a little extra time to find a safer spot to cross than to end up in a sticky situation.
#6 Always Have Recovery Gear Handy
Always keep essential recovery gear with you. We're talking tow ropes, snatch straps, soft shackles. Get them hooked up and ready to roll before you even think about dipping into that water. Because trying to attach gear while your ride's halfway submerged? Not a fun time.
Before a water crossing, be sure to:
- Install recover tow bars
- Hook up tow ropes or snatch straps
- Engage all your traction aids
- Have the winch unspooled
- Install rated recovery points on the front
#7 Cool Your Car Beforehand
Before a water crossing, you should give your ride a breather. Why? Well, think of it like this:
- Hot wheels and cold water? Not a great mix. Your axle's piping hot from the drive, and diving into icy water could cause water to get sucked in.
- Electric fans are there to keep things cool under the hood. But if your engine's already steaming before you hit the river, they might kick in too soon, leaving you high and dry.
So, before you make a splash, give your wheels a chance to chill.
#8 Keep Your Driving Consistent
Ever seen those dramatic photos of vehicles crashing into a river, water splashing everywhere? They look cool, but that’s not what you want in real life.
When crossing water with your 4×4, the trick is to keep it calm and controlled:
- Ease your front wheels into the water and maintain a smooth, steady pace. This creates a bow wave that pushes water away from your vehicle, protecting its sensitive parts.
- Charging into the water at high speed can splash water everywhere and risk damaging your vehicle.
- For manual vehicles, pick your gear before entering the water and stick with it. Changing gears mid-crossing can let debris into the clutch and ruin your momentum.
- For automatics, use low-range gears (first or second) to keep a steady pace.
- Once you start crossing, keep moving. Stopping can get you stuck.
- Aim for a speed between 5 to 10 km/h. Enough to keep you moving smoothly, but not so fast that you create a splashy mess.
Second gear often works best for water crossings, but adjust depending on the water’s depth and flow. The first can be too slow, while the third or fourth might be too fast.
#9 Switch off the AC
It is recommended to switch off your AC during a water crossing to prevent the condenser from heating up and turning on the electric fan.
#10 Be Wary of Other Vehicles
Navigating water crossings in your 4x4 can be tricky, but with a bit of caution, you can stay safe and avoid getting stuck. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- When another vehicle is crossing the water, keep your distance. If they get stuck, you don’t want to be trapped right behind them.
- Let the vehicle in front of you clear the crossing entirely before you start. This prevents bottlenecks and gives you a clear path.
- If you’re in a group, communicate with each other. Use hand signals or cell phones to ensure everyone knows what’s happening.
What To Do If You Get Stuck in a Water Crossing
You should have an emergency plan in place if you get stuck in a water crossing. Here's how to handle getting stuck during a river crossing:
Before you enter the water, keep your windows open and doors unlocked for a quick escape if needed.
In case you get stuck, here is what you need to do:
- Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
- If the water is rising, climb onto the roof to stay safe.
- Sometimes backing out can free you, so give it a shot.
- Restart your engine if it stalls to prevent water from getting into the exhaust.
Checklist After a 4WD Water Crossing
Once the hard part is over, take a few steps to ensure that your vehicle stays in top shape. Here’s a quick guide to keep your 4WD running smoothly after a successful crossing.
Immediate Actions After the Crossing:
- Use Your Brakes Gently—Right after exiting the water, lightly tap your brakes to remove any extra water trapped inside.
- Keep the Engine Running—Let your engine idle for a few minutes. This evaporates any moisture and reduces the risk of condensation.
If You Notice Any Trouble:
Did your 4WD stall during or after the crossing? This might mean water got into the engine. Act quickly to prevent lasting damage. Here’s what you can do:
- Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical mishaps
- Check your oil and transmission fluid. If they appear milky, water has mixed in, and you’ll need to change them.
- Check the air filters for any moisture. If they’re wet, replace them immediately.
- Remove the spark plugs and turn the engine crank. Look for water on the pistons.
- Drain a bit of fuel and see if there’s water in it. If there is, drain the fuel tank, filters, and lines completely.
- Inspect and replace any fuses that look compromised.
Gear Up for the Ultimate Water Crossing Experience with United 4x4 Accessories
Taking your 4x4 through water crossings can transform an ordinary off-road trip into an unforgettable adventure.
To tackle these challenges, you need more than just skill—you need the right gear. United4x4 has you covered with accessories designed to make your water crossing experience safer and more exhilarating.
Equip your vehicle with durable headlights and tail lights for clear visibility, sturdy roof racks for extra cargo space, and protective canopies to shield your gear.
Ready to go off-roading? Gear up with United4x4 and head off into your next adventure with everything you need!