Testing a car's ability to drive in flooded waters is not a wise idea, regardless of the circumstances.
However, one Tesla driver decided to push both their driving skills and common sense to the limit by taking their electric vehicle through a flood.
The event was filmed by an onlooker, who shared the footage on X with the caption: 'A Tesla Model 3 was seen driving through flood waters over in San Diego yesterday… I think I made the right choice.'
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The Model 3 can be seen becoming more and more submerged in the water until it, very luckily, manages to make it to the other side. Although what short-term or long-term impact the incident would have had on the car is unknown.
People are questioning the driver's decision to pull such a reckless move.
One comment simply read: 'That battery is fried.'
Whilst another advised: 'Model 3 owner here, do not do this to your car if/when you get one. Water WILL intrude into the battery pack, especially driving that fast. Better to just turn around if youre able to.'
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On a more comical note, someone wrote: 'At least the autowipers are working. Maybe there's a submarine function that came out in the holiday update we all missed.'
People have been questioning on Reddit what driving through high waters can do to an electric vehicle, to which one responded: 'Regardless of the car, do NOT drive on flooded roads.'
On the Tesla warranty, the billion-dollar automotive company stated: 'As with any vehicle, if your Tesla has been exposed to flooding, extreme weather events or has otherwise been submerged in water (especially in salt water), treat it as if it’s been in an accident and contact your insurance company for support.'
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With a separate note, it adds: 'Damage caused by water is not covered under warranty.'
So the driver carelessly put their electric vehicle at risk of permanent damage and themselves in front of a potentially hefty fine.
Although Tesla owners have found hacks to overcome the icy winter months, it seems the solution in dreadful wet conditions is to simply not drive in them. There have even been other reports of extreme weather causing damage to Tesla vehicles.
For instance, in 2023, a Scottish couple had to fork out around $20,000 in repairs after their Tesla wouldn't start due to 'water ingress.' In response to the incident, Tesla refused to cover the costs of the battery's eight-year warranty.