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I meant to post this a few weeks ago and I don’t in any way suggest that driving through a flooded street is a smart thing, but I figured I would relate my experience. We had torrential downpours in central Florida a few weeks back and I had to make a delivery. It was a new neighborhood and apparently the construction had caused a lot of debris to plug up the drains. The only way to get to the customer’s house was driving through a flooded road. Knowing that the snorkel for the air box is at the very top of the hood on the left side, I felt confident that the water wasn’t too high. The water was I’m guessing about 5-6” high. The water got high enough that a small wave splashed a few inches over top the right side of the hood and that was a “pucker” moment. In reality, I think the water was mid bumper level but I tried to “power” through it, causing the water wave to splash over briefly. The engine was struggling to drag the car through the water, sounding like it was at about 3k rpms. Finally made it back to dry land, delivered to the customer and then found an even larger puddle on the way out! Going through that one was a little nerve racking as the steering felt like it was getting light, as if the car was starting to float. I think this sensation came from the well enclosed engine bay acting as a giant balloon of air. I went through that one slower and the engine didn’t sound as stressed. No one can claim I’m not dedicated to my customers!
Anyway, the Insight survived with flying colors. No sensors acted wonky and there’s been no lasting effects. I applaud Honda for having the air snorkel mounted at the highest possible place so going through low water is doable.
Anyway, the Insight survived with flying colors. No sensors acted wonky and there’s been no lasting effects. I applaud Honda for having the air snorkel mounted at the highest possible place so going through low water is doable.