Driving Through Water

I had a Tundra that ended up with problems in the power train. I was told that one possibility is that water got into one of the components through holes that exist somewhere. So I want to avoid similar problems with my 2013 Tacoma.

My first question - Is it okay to run through fresh water that comes up to the bottom of the door?

I live on the Outer Banks of NC. There is frequently ocean and sound over wash on the roads. I know enough to avoid running through that if I can avoid it. Besides rinsing off the salt water as soon as possible, is there any other basic steps that will help to prevent long term issues due to salt water exposure on vehicle components?

I don't know jack about vehicle maintenance. I did manage to get 270,000 miles out of my 2001 tundra with general service and Mobile 1.

thanks for the help!!

 

Might be hard to avoid where you live but just stay away from water that deep if at all possible. I'd say rinse off the salt water ASAP and dont let it sit there for days on end.

 

You should never drive through water without doing relocation of the rear diff breather and the ones beavis listed! You' should change your rear diff fluids as well asap

 

Why would he change the diff fluids? He has a 13'?

 

The rear diff doesn't have a breather, it has a 1-way valve. If the rear diff is heated from driving and you drive through cold water it drops the temperature suddenly and causes the pressure in the diff to drop. The 1-way valve prevents it from sucking in and there's a tendency to suck liquid in through the seals. Water does NOT have to be higher than the top of the diff for this to happen.

David

 

I didn't know that. I just learned something new. Thanks!

 

Also Grease your Jerk Fittings during oil changes if you run through a lot of water.

 

I've been told never buy a vehicle that was kept within 5mi. of the ocean. I guess the logic being there is always salt water in the air. As far as driving through water. This last spring we had standing water and flooding that was stalling cars and the taco had no problems.