Monsoons are a big relief from hot summer days. It is the perfect weather to grab your car keys and head out for a scenic drive. However, monsoons in India are unpredictable. Waterlogging, slippery roads, and low visibility often cause breakdowns or accidents. There are several cases where the driver loses control of the vehicle. But if you prepare in advance, you will minimize the risks of car or engine damage and save lives.
Your car requires extra care during monsoons. Apart from general safety tips like driving cautiously and not overspeeding, there are various checklists that you must tick. Both the car and the driver must be fit and ready for tough weather. While you enjoy the weather and the drive sitting inside, your car takes most of the brunt. This later reflects on an exorbitant maintenance bill that will burn a hole in your pocket. Therefore, it is better to be safe and well-informed.
Follow these 10 car care and safety tips to make your vehicle ready for a spin in the rain.
Your wipers do the most important task of keeping your windshield clean. If a wiper is not functioning properly, it will affect your road visibility and safety during heavy rains. Usually, windshield wipers should be replaced every year as they wear out easily. Dry and brittle wipers leave stains on the glass which might partially impair your vision. Also, do not forget to check the washer system and regularly top it up with washer fluid.
Hydroplaning is the most common cause of road accidents during monsoon. When car tires get worn out, they lose the tread and skid on wet surfaces. Tyre treads help channel the water away from the contact patch and maintain grip. You can even buy a tread-wear indicator to know if your tires are thinning. Also, be certain that the tires have good pressure levels, as prescribed by the manufacturer. A deflated tire can be a big trouble at remote locations.
- Check The Batteries & Wiring
Your car requires extra power during monsoons with headlights and wipers constantly turned on. This drains the battery quicker than usual. Ensure the batteries are in top shape and will not cause any breakdowns in the middle of your trip. Watch out for any exposed or loosely connected wires, that may cause a short circuit. If they come in contact with water, it will damage the internal components. Remember that damage to wiring or electronic parts due to short circuits is not covered under insurance.
- Test All Headlights & Tail Lights
This might look like a simple task but is often overlooked. Before heading out, ensure all lights are in working condition and clean. During monsoons, visibility is often low. If your headlights are not working properly, it might be risky on roads without proper lighting. The tail lights and indicators should be clear and responsive for other drivers to know your position.
- Check The Braking Systems
You will most likely drive your car through waterlogged roads which might dampen the brakes. Ineffective braking will result in accidents or loss of control of the vehicle. Push the brakes a couple of times while slowly accelerating to generate heat in the braking rotors and dry out the brake pads. If you feel a judder while braking, consult a professional and change the components immediately. Ask for any additional safety tips.
- Keep Corrosion and Rust Away
The car’s metal frame protects the internal components from getting wet. If the car is old or hasn’t been used much, an anti-corrosion treatment will help from the damage. Get a wax coating done to protect the paint. You can even coat the car’s battery terminals with anti-corrosion grease to protect it from rust.
While washing your car seems like a useless task, it is important to clear the mineral residue that attracts dirt after rain. Using solvent-free water will clean any spots and neutralize the acidity. Remember to wash the underside and difficult spots to clear any road grime or dirt.
Water leaking through car components is a common safety problem faced during monsoons. Rubber seals around window panes and sunroofs are easy to wear out and should be replaced occasionally. Clogging of drainage holes will lead to moisture accumulation and cause rusting. Identify any possible sources of leaks and seal them before taking your car out.
Monsoon rides can get unpredictable at times. It’s a good practice to have spare parts in the car. Extra wiper blades, fuses, tires, first-aid kits, etc. come in handy in times of emergency. Always be prepared for the worst situations. Make sure you have contact numbers of nearby garages if the car breaks down in the middle of the road.
A comprehensive pre-monsoon servicing will give a solution for all the above-mentioned problems. It is possible to miss out on minor issues when you check the car by yourself. Also, get your car washed and polished. Driving in monsoons is fun. However, these 10 safety tips will make your driving experience safe and hassle-free.
