Car care & safety tips for rainy season
The monsoon season brings heavy rains, flooded roads, and reduced visibility - posing unique challenges for car owners. Proper maintenance and cautious driving are essential to ensure a safe commute during the rainy months. Read on for some tips to help you prepare your car and adapt your driving habits for a smooth journey through the showers.
Importance of car care and safety during the rainy season
The monsoon ushers in relief and respite after the scorching summer heat. But for car owners, it also brings challenges like waterlogging, reduced visibility, slippery roads and high chances of skidding. The rains, though pleasurable, can wreak havoc on your car if you do not take proper precautions.
Timely servicing, exterior protection, and preventive checks on critical components like brakes, tyres, and lights before monsoon will go a long way in keeping your car safe. The rainy season exposes your vehicle to dirt, humidity, and water, making it prone to rust, corrosion, and even electrical failures if due diligence is required. Driving with caution by reducing speed, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding distractions also becomes vital during the slippery rainy months.
By following essential maintenance procedures and adapting your driving habits before and during monsoons, you can have a smooth, hassle-free experience. Your car will thank you for the care and emerge from the rainy season in perfect working condition. Don't let the rains dampen your car's performance.
Preparing your car for rainy weather
Get your car monsoon-ready with this detailed maintenance checklist before the rains arrive, and ensure you have the right car insurance for added protection.
1. Thorough exterior cleaning
Give the body a good wash to remove accumulated dirt and stains. Cleaning the underside, wheel wells and other hidden areas is essential to prevent rusting. Consider getting steam cleaning or pressure washing done to lift off tough deposits.
2. Waxing/coating
Apply wax or ceramic coating on the body and windows to create a water-repellent layer. This prevents water from settling on the paintwork and minimises spots. Re-apply every quarter for optimum effect.
3. Headlight restoration
Cloudy headlights are dangerous during monsoons. Restore plastic lenses using DIY kits or professional services. Install protective films to prevent future damage from debris.
4. Windshield wipers
Replace worn-out wiper blades with new ones designed explicitly for monsoons. Ensure the blades sit well and wipe the windshield without streaking.
5. Windshield washer fluid
Check washer fluid levels and fill up the reservoir. Use a suitable quality fluid with antifreeze components to enable cleaning in all weather conditions.
6. Wheel alignment
Misaligned wheels strain the suspension and tyres. Get your wheels aligned adequately to specifications for improved stability and steering control.
7. Tyre care
Inspect tread depth and replace tyres if below the recommended limit. Ensure tyres are inflated as per the manufacturer's instructions for better traction.
8. Brake service
Check brake pads, rotors, and callipers and get them serviced if worn out. Change brake fluid to remove any moisture accumulation inside the hydraulic system.
9. Lights
Clean and polish all exterior lights to maximise visibility. Fix any internal condensation issues immediately to prevent short circuits and blown fuses.
10. Wiper motors
Examine wiper motors and linkages. Replace any defective components to ensure proper working during heavy rains.
11. Fluid changes
Drain old engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc. and refill with fresh fluid. This removes deposits and contamination.
12. Battery care
Clean corroded battery terminals. Check water levels and top up if required. Consider replacing the battery if it is more than three years old.
13. Air filter replacement
Clogged air filters allow water to pass into the engine. Replace them before monsoons.
14. Electricals
Apply dielectric grease on spark plugs and wiring in the engine compartment to prevent moisture damage and oxidation.
Driving tips for rainy conditions
Exercise additional caution while driving during rainy conditions:
1. Go slow
Lower your speed considerably and maintain a longer braking distance from the vehicle ahead. Slow down well in advance before turns and intersections.
2. Use headlights
For better visibility, keep headlights on low beams even during the daytime. When parked along the road shoulder, use hazards.
3. Increase visual scanning
Look farther ahead on the road than usual to identify hazards like potholes, fallen trees, etc. early.
4. Brake smoothly
Apply progressive pressure on the brakes to stop. Do not brake suddenly on wet surfaces—test brakes gently after passing through water.
5. Avoid cruise control
Turn off cruise control to take over manual control of speed. Hydroplaning can occur if cruising at high speeds on wet roads.
6. Defogger and wipers
To maximise visibility, use front and rear defoggers and wipers. Make sure the wiper blades are in good condition.
7. Check the surroundings
Check mirrors and blind spots strictly before changing lanes or overtaking other vehicles. Cyclists and pedestrians are more challenging to spot.
8. Beware of puddles
Slow down and steer around puddles on the road if possible. Driving through deep-water potholes can lead to loss of traction and hydroplaning.
9. Slippery surfaces
Drive with gentle steering, braking and acceleration on wet roads to avoid skidding. Allow more distance from other vehicles.
10. After the rain
Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking/acceleration even after the rain stops. Roads can still be slippery due to residual water.
11. Emergency supplies
If you get stranded by floods or breakdowns, carry essentials like a first-aid kit, torch, rope, raincoat, snacks, drinking water, etc.
Conclusion
Meticulous preparation before monsoons, followed by careful driving practices during the rainy season, is crucial for a safe and hassle-free experience. Maintain your car well with timely servicing and equipment checks. Adapt your driving habits by slowing down, increasing braking distance, avoiding distractions and staying alert. Follow these tips diligently to protect yourself and your car from the rain.
Car care & safety tips for rainy season
The monsoon season brings heavy rains, flooded roads, and reduced visibility - posing unique challenges for car owners. Proper maintenance and cautious driving are essential to ensure a safe commute during the rainy months. Read on for some tips to help you prepare your car and adapt your driving habits for a smooth journey through the showers.
Importance of car care and safety during the rainy season
The monsoon ushers in relief and respite after the scorching summer heat. But for car owners, it also brings challenges like waterlogging, reduced visibility, slippery roads and high chances of skidding. The rains, though pleasurable, can wreak havoc on your car if you do not take proper precautions.
Timely servicing, exterior protection, and preventive checks on critical components like brakes, tyres, and lights before monsoon will go a long way in keeping your car safe. The rainy season exposes your vehicle to dirt, humidity, and water, making it prone to rust, corrosion, and even electrical failures if due diligence is required. Driving with caution by reducing speed, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding distractions also becomes vital during the slippery rainy months.
By following essential maintenance procedures and adapting your driving habits before and during monsoons, you can have a smooth, hassle-free experience. Your car will thank you for the care and emerge from the rainy season in perfect working condition. Don't let the rains dampen your car's performance.
Preparing your car for rainy weather
Get your car monsoon-ready with this detailed maintenance checklist before the rains arrive, and ensure you have the right car insurance for added protection.
1. Thorough exterior cleaning
Give the body a good wash to remove accumulated dirt and stains. Cleaning the underside, wheel wells and other hidden areas is essential to prevent rusting. Consider getting steam cleaning or pressure washing done to lift off tough deposits.
2. Waxing/coating
Apply wax or ceramic coating on the body and windows to create a water-repellent layer. This prevents water from settling on the paintwork and minimises spots. Re-apply every quarter for optimum effect.
3. Headlight restoration
Cloudy headlights are dangerous during monsoons. Restore plastic lenses using DIY kits or professional services. Install protective films to prevent future damage from debris.
4. Windshield wipers
Replace worn-out wiper blades with new ones designed explicitly for monsoons. Ensure the blades sit well and wipe the windshield without streaking.
5. Windshield washer fluid
Check washer fluid levels and fill up the reservoir. Use a suitable quality fluid with antifreeze components to enable cleaning in all weather conditions.
6. Wheel alignment
Misaligned wheels strain the suspension and tyres. Get your wheels aligned adequately to specifications for improved stability and steering control.
7. Tyre care
Inspect tread depth and replace tyres if below the recommended limit. Ensure tyres are inflated as per the manufacturer's instructions for better traction.
8. Brake service
Check brake pads, rotors, and callipers and get them serviced if worn out. Change brake fluid to remove any moisture accumulation inside the hydraulic system.
9. Lights
Clean and polish all exterior lights to maximise visibility. Fix any internal condensation issues immediately to prevent short circuits and blown fuses.
10. Wiper motors
Examine wiper motors and linkages. Replace any defective components to ensure proper working during heavy rains.
11. Fluid changes
Drain old engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc. and refill with fresh fluid. This removes deposits and contamination.
12. Battery care
Clean corroded battery terminals. Check water levels and top up if required. Consider replacing the battery if it is more than three years old.
13. Air filter replacement
Clogged air filters allow water to pass into the engine. Replace them before monsoons.
14. Electricals
Apply dielectric grease on spark plugs and wiring in the engine compartment to prevent moisture damage and oxidation.
Driving tips for rainy conditions
Exercise additional caution while driving during rainy conditions:
1. Go slow
Lower your speed considerably and maintain a longer braking distance from the vehicle ahead. Slow down well in advance before turns and intersections.
2. Use headlights
For better visibility, keep headlights on low beams even during the daytime. When parked along the road shoulder, use hazards.
3. Increase visual scanning
Look farther ahead on the road than usual to identify hazards like potholes, fallen trees, etc. early.
4. Brake smoothly
Apply progressive pressure on the brakes to stop. Do not brake suddenly on wet surfaces—test brakes gently after passing through water.
5. Avoid cruise control
Turn off cruise control to take over manual control of speed. Hydroplaning can occur if cruising at high speeds on wet roads.
6. Defogger and wipers
To maximise visibility, use front and rear defoggers and wipers. Make sure the wiper blades are in good condition.
7. Check the surroundings
Check mirrors and blind spots strictly before changing lanes or overtaking other vehicles. Cyclists and pedestrians are more challenging to spot.
8. Beware of puddles
Slow down and steer around puddles on the road if possible. Driving through deep-water potholes can lead to loss of traction and hydroplaning.
9. Slippery surfaces
Drive with gentle steering, braking and acceleration on wet roads to avoid skidding. Allow more distance from other vehicles.
10. After the rain
Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking/acceleration even after the rain stops. Roads can still be slippery due to residual water.
11. Emergency supplies
If you get stranded by floods or breakdowns, carry essentials like a first-aid kit, torch, rope, raincoat, snacks, drinking water, etc.
Conclusion
Meticulous preparation before monsoons, followed by careful driving practices during the rainy season, is crucial for a safe and hassle-free experience. Maintain your car well with timely servicing and equipment checks. Adapt your driving habits by slowing down, increasing braking distance, avoiding distractions and staying alert. Follow these tips diligently to protect yourself and your car from the rain.