With the monsoon season just around its climax, it’s essential to have your car ready for the challenges of heavy rains and flooded roads. Ensuring your car is always in top shape not only enhances safety but also saves you from the costly repairs. Get ready to conquer the rainy weather by preparing your car with these helpful tips.
1. Check Your Tires(monsoon) :
The sole contact points for tires in your car are with the road, making them essential for a safe driving experience in wet weather.
- To ensure a safe driving experience, it is important to keep your tires with tread depth of at least 2mm. Tires that are not in good shape can make hydroplaning more hazardous.
- Maintain proper tire pressure by examining tire inflation. The abrasion of tires on wet roads can be reduced by under-inflated tires, which can decrease grip and increase brake speed.
- Misaligned and uneven tires can cause significant wear and mishandling, which can have an adverse impact on handling due to their misalignment and unbalance.
2. Inspect the Brakes :
When it comes to staying safe during the monsoon, your car’s braking system is of paramount importance.
- Examine your brake pads and discs for signs of wear. In case they are worn out, replace them if necessary.
- Check for contamination and ensure that the brake fluid is at the correct level before applying it. Wet brake fluid can be absorbed by old brake liquid, which can result in reduced braking efficiency.
3. Check the Wipers and Windshield :
Clear visibility is essential during heavy rains:
- Replace wiper blades that are no longer in use or have a cracked surface. The water should be completely drained by them without leaving any marks.
- Keep your windshield free of chips and cracks by using a windshield protector. It’s recommended to use a water-based repellent solution for improved visibility.
- The best practice for windshield washer owners is to use a high-quality washer fluid in the reservoir of their vehicle. By making the windshield cleaner, you can enhance visibility.
4. Examine the Electrical System :
Your car’s electrical system may suffer damage from rainwater:.
- Verify that the battery terminals are free of corrosion and ensure that they are charged. If your battery is not functioning properly, you may be left stranded.
- Lighting: Make sure that both outside and inside lights are functioning. Any smashed bulbs that need replacing. Examine the headlights, taillightings and brake lights as well as the indicators.
- To avoid short circuits in wet conditions, inspect any exposed or damaged wiring that may be causing electrical shocks.
5. Protect the Exterior :
Maintaining your car’s appearance and preventing corrosion is essential.
- The best way to protect the paint from water damage is to apply a thick layer of wax.
- To safeguard against rust and corrosion, consider installing an anti-rust underbody coating.
- Take note of the weatherstrips and seals applied around doors and windows. In case of damage, replace any seals that are prone to water penetration.
6. Drive Safely :
Ultimately, it is important to modify your driving style during the monsoon season:
- Accelerate: This requires driving at a moderate speed to prevent skidding.
- Mileage: Stay away from the vehicle moving forward. On wet surfaces, the distance travelled by brakes increases.
- Don’t drive through wet water by avoiding puddles. It has the potential to cause hydroplaning and conceal potholes or debris.