Wading recommendations
When driving through water, there are important limitations to consider regarding the water's depth and the driving speed.
Important
Volvo recommends that wading is done with great caution and avoided when possible. It can be difficult to accurately assess the water's depth and the strength of the current. The driver is always responsible for driving in a safe manner and in compliance with all applicable rules of the road.
- If possible, determine how deep the water is before you start driving. Only attempt to drive through if you are confident it's shallow enough to safely wade through.
- The recommended highest water level when wading is up to the bottom of the undercarriage.
- Limit your speed to walking pace.
- Avoid wading in strong currents, especially if the water is deep enough to risk flowing over the car.
- Oncoming traffic can cause waves that increase how high the water reaches.
- If possible, avoid stopping when you're in the water. Carefully keep driving forward or reverse out of it.
- Avoid driving through saltwater as it can cause corrosion.
Warning
Wet brakes
The car's stopping distance is longer if the brake discs are wet. Driving through water exposes the brake discs to water, and possibly mud or other sediment. After wading, safely perform a hard braking manoeuvre to remove dirt and water from the brakes. By engaging the brake discs while driving, they heat up and dry.