1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 166

Driving in Water Light rain causes no special off-road driving problems. But heavy rain can mean flash flooding, and flood waters demand extreme caution. Find out how deep the water is before you drive through it. If it's deep enough to coveryour wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe, don't try it -- you probably won't get through. Also, water that deep can damage your axle and other vehicle parts. If the water isn't too deep, then drive through it slowly. At fast speeds, water splashes on your ignition system and your vehicle can stall. Stallingcan also occur if you get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your tailpipe is under water, you'll never be able to start your engine. When you go through water, remember that when your brakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop. Driving through rushing water can be dangerous Deep water cansweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could drown.it's If only shallow water, it can still wash away the ground from under your tires, and could lose you traction and roll the vehicle over. Don't drive through rushing water. See "Driving Through Water" in the Index for more information on driving through water. 4-28