Today, having watched a number of cars - most of them smaller, lower (non were 4x4's) than my Q5 pass through about 100 yds of a 1 ft deep flood on a small country road.

I attempted to do so. However the plastic panneling on the underside of the car was ripped off, or some remained on the car but was badly damaged.

I managed to get the vehicle to a small local garage, who confirmed the damage, they told me the clips holding the panels has come loose. They are going to fit new panels.

I was surprised this happened on a 4x4 and was wondering if anybody else has had a similar experience?

Kind Regards,

 

Pretty much all Audi’s range whether SUV or Quattro are effectively soft-roaders. The plastic panels under the car extend from the engine under tray to the rear diff. The only thing holding these plastic panels on are 10mm nylon nuts or Torx screws.

When you’re negotiating flood water (which is not advisable at the best of times), then water will enter the underside of the car including the plastic panels. You only need a couple of missing fasteners and the force of the water will rip it off.

Why would you try such a thing? It's a car, not a boat.

Spartacus,

Thank you for taking the time with your concise and logical answer.

It immediately helped me understand the issue.

£345 to repair the damage!

Kind Regards,

47 minutes ago, cliffcoggin said:

Why would you try such a thing? It's a car, not a boat.

Thank You.

I assumed (wrongly!) that my car would be able to pass through the flood after observing several smaller cars pass through without incident - I think one was a Ford Fiesta.

But next time, I will turn around, which I should have done this time with hindsight, and choose the alternative 11 mile extra round trip!