[nemystic]

Last week, after a deluge temporarily overwhelmed a storm drain on a busy roadway, I inadvertently drove through a monster puddle at approximately 30 - 35 mph. The right side plastic baffle was partially ripped off of the undercarriage, remaining folded under the car and dragging for just under a quarter mile when I had an opportunity to get off the road and inspect the damage.
I was able to unfold the baffle, and eventually to return home. At less than 25 mph, the baffle didn't drag on the pavement.
Fortunately, the baffle hadn't been completely lost, and I was able to re-fasten it with some oversize washers.

While the only possible benefit to driving through big puddles that I can imagine would be a cleaning of the undercarriage, I'd suggest that this is something to be avoided by Insights whenever possible.

 

[Richard]

Thanks for the heads-up on that one!

SoCal had some rain last night and I avoided a big (huge?) puddle this morning, just because I had a feeling that it didn't look like a good idea to go splashing through.

Now I have some back up for my "feeling" which is much better than going the intuitive route.

Best Regs,
Rick / 2006 CVT

 

[Alexander Hales]

Oh my god, Im glad im not the only one... I did the same thing about 9 months ago! I not only lost my right plastic baffle but my rear bumper and both my side skirts!!

I pulled over right after the accident and took these pictures:

http://www.halestechnologygroup.com/mpg ... amage1.jpg
http://www.halestechnologygroup.com/mpg ... amage2.jpg

 

[Scott]

Those must have been some "puddles" to do that much damage. Knowing the low ground clearance of an Insight, I avoid anything more than a couple inches of water and go very slow. It might even be safer to turn around and take another route.

 

[Alexander Hales]

The puddle was masking a large pot hole in the road. The sudden drop combined with speed caused a rush of water rip off my bumper, side skirts and under carriage plastic thingy.

Like you, I know distrust any puddle regardless of size.

 

[flymuck]

Ugh! Evil potholes, evil rain! I feel your pain. I ripped off the plastic guard under the front end of my Honda Accord years ago... low-rider cars.... and to think people lower them even more! How do they go over speed bumps, or in and out of parking lots??