What is a Ford?
A ford is a shallow section of a river or stream that allows vehicles, pedestrians or animals to cross from one side to the other. Some fords are naturally occurring, while others are purpose-built crossings.
Although they can appear harmless, driving through standing or flowing water carries a number of risks that can cause serious damage to your vehicle if the depth or conditions are misjudged.
What Are the Risks of Driving Through a Ford?
Driving through a ford can expose your vehicle to several potential hazards, including:
Engine Damage
Water can enter the engine through the air intake system. If enough water reaches the combustion chambers, it can cause hydrolock, where the engine’s internal components are unable to compress water. This can lead to severe engine damage and expensive repairs.
Electrical Problems
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems. Water intrusion can affect sensors, wiring, batteries, starters and other electrical components, potentially causing faults, corrosion or complete system failure.
Reduced Braking Performance
Water can temporarily reduce the effectiveness of your brakes by making the brake discs and pads wet. After leaving a ford, it’s important to test your brakes carefully to ensure they are functioning normally.
Aquaplaning
If tyres lose contact with the road surface due to standing water, the vehicle may aquaplane. This can reduce steering control and increase stopping distances.
Damage to Underside Components
Floodwater can damage suspension components, exhaust systems, catalytic converters and underbody protection. Debris hidden beneath the water can also cause physical damage.
Before attempting to cross a ford, always assess the depth, flow rate and road conditions. If there is any doubt about whether it is safe to proceed, choose an alternative route.
How to Drive Through a Ford Safely
If you must drive through a ford, taking the correct precautions can reduce the risk of damage.
Check the Water Depth
If a depth marker is present, use it to assess whether the crossing is safe. If there is no depth marker and it is safe to do so, inspect the crossing before driving through.
Drive Slowly and Consistently
Enter the water slowly and maintain a steady speed. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or changing gear while crossing.
Maintaining a consistent speed can help reduce the likelihood of water entering critical engine components and helps preserve vehicle control.
Use a Low Gear
A low gear helps maintain momentum while reducing the need for gear changes during the crossing.
Test Your Brakes Afterwards
Once safely through, gently apply the brakes several times to help dry them and restore normal braking performance.
Inspect Your Vehicle
After crossing deep water, watch for warning lights, unusual noises or signs of water ingress.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle can safely cross the ford, it is always better to wait for water levels to fall or use a different route.
What Happens if You Drive Into Floodwater?
Driving into floodwater can be extremely dangerous.
Potential consequences include:
- Loss of vehicle control
- Water entering the engine
- Electrical system failure
- Brake performance issues
- Vehicle recovery costs
- Significant repair bills
Even relatively shallow water can pose a serious risk depending on the vehicle type and the speed of the water flow.
If floodwater appears deeper than expected or is moving quickly, do not attempt to drive through it.
How Do I Know if I Have Water in My Engine?
One common warning sign is contaminated engine oil.
Check the oil using the dipstick. If the oil appears milky, creamy or unusually discoloured, water contamination may be present.
Other signs can include:
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Rough running
- Warning lights appearing on the dashboard
- Reduced performance
- Unusual engine noises
If you suspect water has entered the engine, avoid driving the vehicle and arrange for it to be inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
For more vehicle maintenance advice and ownership guidance, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
Whether flood damage is covered depends on your insurance policy.
Comprehensive Cover
Comprehensive insurance will often cover flood damage, provided the policy terms have been followed and there has been no deliberate negligence.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft
This level of cover generally does not include flood damage unless specifically stated in the policy.
Third-Party Only
Third-party insurance typically does not cover flood damage to your own vehicle.
If your vehicle has been affected by flooding, contact your insurer promptly and follow their claims process. Take photographs of any visible damage and avoid attempting to start the vehicle if water may have entered the engine.
Related Maintenance Articles
Can Driving Through a Ford Ruin Your Engine?
Yes.
If water enters the air intake and reaches the combustion chamber, it can cause hydrolock. This can result in:
- Bent connecting rods
- Cracked pistons
- Damaged cylinder heads
- Complete engine failure
Even a relatively small amount of water can cause serious mechanical damage.
If your vehicle has suffered flood damage or significant mechanical issues, understanding its current market value can help you decide whether repair or replacement is the better option.
You can get a free valuation using Jamjar’s online valuation tool within seconds!
Can driving through a ford ruin your engine?
Yes, if water enters the intake or combustion chamber, it can cause engine hydrolock, bent connecting rods, cracked pistons or a complete engine failure. Even a small amount of water can stop internal components from turning and cause major repair bills.
If your car has suffered water damage and you’re thinking of selling rather than repairing it, try our free online car valuation tool to see what it’s worth:
What are the signs of water damage after driving through deep water?
Common symptoms include engine misfiring, warning lights, loss of power, steam from the exhaust, a strong damp smell inside the cabin, electrical faults, or contaminated engine oil that looks milky. If any of these appear, stop driving and seek professional help.
For more practical motoring tips, maintenance advice and safety guides, visit our full driver guidance hub:
Is water damage to a car covered by insurance?
Some fully comprehensive policies cover flood and water-related damage, but not all claims are guaranteed. Insurers may reject a claim if they deem the driver took an avoidable risk. Always check your policy wording and excess amounts before attempting deep crossings.
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How deep is too deep for driving through water?
As a rule of thumb, anything above the centre of your wheels is unsafe for most cars. Even water only 6 inches deep can cause loss of control, while 12 inches can float a small vehicle. Modern low-slung cars are particularly vulnerable.