Your Rivian was designed for the outdoors, so you can focus on the journey ahead—whether that means crossing a shallow stream to a remote campsite, approaching standing water on the road, or simply facing a sudden downpour on the highway. Wherever you may encounter water, always follow signage and, where applicable, follow the directions of emergency responders and tune into your local news for additional information. Driving your vehicle through water requires a mix of preparation and caution, so always consult your Rivian Owner’s Guide for information and best practices.
Before they go into production, our vehicles undergo rigorous testing that provides invaluable feedback to our engineers—including their ability to ford water under certain conditions and circumstances. As we continue real-world testing for R2, this remains a top priority. At our proving grounds, vehicles are tested to master deep-water crossings in both clean and muddy conditions. We also test our vehicles driving through different depths of water to gauge the ability of vehicle components to withstand adverse weather conditions. Additionally, we use advanced simulations to model the effects of deep water crossings, which allows us to enhance the vehicle's structural and system integrity.
Before you set out, a little research is important. Check in with local weather services and trail condition websites to get the latest information on water levels and recent rainfall at your destination. Once you arrive, it is critical to check the water depth and ground surface before you drive into an area covered in water. Remember that R1 vehicles have a maximum water fording depth of 39 inches (1 m). Be on the lookout for any hidden obstacles or debris.
When crossing water, taking a few extra steps to prepare your vehicle can make a big difference. While your vehicle is designed to keep water out with its tight-sealing doors and windows, you should still double-check that all doors and storage areas—including the Gear Tunnel and charging ports—are fully closed. You should also keep your windows down in case you need to make an emergency exit. The vehicle can be water forded in All Purpose or off-road drive modes with standard ride height, but you can also use the highest ride setting if you prefer. Before you enter the water, make sure the entry and exit points are stable and that the ground is firm to prevent a loss of traction.
When you begin fording, enter the water slowly and keep a continuous, steady speed under 5 mph. This will prevent creating a large wave that could wash over the hood of your vehicle. As you drive, pay attention to any cross-currents and avoid them when possible to maintain traction. If you notice the water getting deeper or feel the vehicle sinking into the soft ground, carefully and slowly back out to avoid getting stuck.
Warning: Never attempt to cross a deep, fast flowing body of water, as doing so could result in vehicle damage, serious injury, or death.
After exiting the water, you'll want to take a few steps to ensure your vehicle is in good working order:
Clear the Horn: Press and hold the horn for two seconds, repeating this four more times. This will clear any water from the horn, ensuring it remains functional.
Clean the Heat Exchanger: If you forded through water with a lot of debris, we recommend cleaning the Heat Exchanger to maintain thermal performance. This is located right behind the front grille and can be cleaned by pointing a high pressure hose towards the grille while the active grille shutters are open.
Test Your Brakes: Before driving at high speeds, be sure to test your brakes to ensure they are working properly.
Wash Your Car: Give your vehicle a good wash after fording to clear debris.
Rivian vehicles are not designed to withstand being submerged in water for long periods of time. If a weather event occurs, follow the instructions of emergency personnel and never attempt to drive your vehicle through standing water. If your vehicle does become submerged in water for a significant amount of time during a weather event, we recommend having it checked at a local service center. In some extreme cases, R1 vehicles have withstood soaking from flash floods and severe weather—and have been able to start up and drive away safely.
This was the case for R1T owner Michael Cusick, a resident of Asheville, North Carolina. When Hurricane Helene swept his R1T about 100 feet down the Swannanoa River from where he hard parked it, he thought it was destroyed. “It was a pile of mud, completely covered—and if you could see the look on my face when I walked up to her and the door handles popped open,” he told our team. “It was borderline unbelievable. I got in the vehicle and sort of just drove off as if nothing happened.”
Shortly after recovering the vehicle, our team analyzed his R1T for damage at a local service center. “The motors and the battery are the same ones that survived the flood,” he adds. “And since then I’ve driven 20,000 miles.” This mileage included a road trip to Cape Breton Island, a snowstorm camping excursion, and many other adventures into the wooded, mountainous roads of the Appalachia region.
This is an extraordinary example of durability, and stories like Michael’s are the exception, not the rule. Your Rivian vehicle is engineered for adventure, but the best approach to water fording is always one of caution and preparation. We share Michael’s story not to encourage you to push your vehicle to extremes, but to highlight the robust testing and engineering that goes into every Rivian. The guidelines in this post—from assessing the water's depth to driving at a steady speed—are key to approaching water fording and ensuring your vehicle will be ready to make a little splash.
Informational Purposes Only:
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice or expert guidance. Always consult your Rivian Owner's Guide and, where appropriate, seek professional assistance before engaging in the activity described. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not assume any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in this content.
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