The Indian monsoon has officially arrived when it pours nonstop in several regions of the nation. The recent light showers have offered some relief from the strenuous summer weather. The Indian monsoon brings with it certain destruction, especially for our cars, even as it provides a much-needed reprieve from the country’s ongoing hot this summer. The majority of Indian car owners do not have the luxury of indoor parking, hence a substantial portion of Indian cars are parked on roadways, battling the elements, whether it be sweltering heat or torrential rain.
Exposure to such harsh weather might seriously harm your car. Here are a few quick and easy things you can do to make sure your cars are secure.
1. Keep the exterior of your car in prime condition
The greatest strategy to prevent the state of your car from declining is to routinely clean and maintain the body’s exterior. Looks do count when it comes to your car! The outside of the car is the first thing we see and the area of the vehicle that is exposed to the rain. Rust thrives in humid environments, which the monsoon brings with it in abundance.
Don’t forget to routinely have your car painted as needed. The paint serves as the car’s first layer of defense from the metal body’s corrosive elements, which can corrode and harm any exposed metal. You can also get your car waxed for added defense. Remember to take care of the bottom of your automobile, which receives the most water and dirt exposure. Hire a specialist to polish it to prevent corrosion.
It is always advisable to cover your car with a good quality car cover to protect it from harsh weather conditions.
2. Make sure your tyres are in excellent condition
One of the automotive parts that need the most maintenance and one that wears out the fastest is the tyre. Because cars can’t stop quickly, most traffic accidents that occur during the monsoon are caused by this. Always make sure your tyres have adequate tread to reduce the possibility of your car losing control. Your tyres may already include a tread-wear indication that helps you know when it’s time to get new tyres, or you may insert a penny to measure the depth of the tread.
To monitor the health of your tyres, a tyre inflater always comes in handy. It is recommended to carry one primarily if you cover long distances.
3. Keep your lights in good shape
During the rainy season, lights of all kinds—headlights, foglights, taillights—play an undoubtedly vital role. With the fog, visibility becomes even worse, making it more challenging to see ahead and navigate. It is advisable to frequently check your lights to make sure they are functioning properly, to clean them, to make sure they are clean, and to check to see if any bulbs need to be changed.
Good quality car lights are the most avoided car accessories these days. Invest in good quality DRL Lights, and fog lights to ensure your safety and make your journey more pleasant.
4. Examine the wiring and battery in your car
Even while getting lost is terrible enough as it is, getting stopped in the rain on Indian roads is worse. Make sure the battery in your car is in good condition, and if it is, replace it or charge it in advance. Your car’s wiring needs to be properly covered as well. It should be shielded so that water doesn’t contact it. Make sure there are no stray, exposed, or unprotected wires peeking through the hood of your car.
5. Inspect the functioning of the AC and the windshield wipers
In the upcoming few months, windshield wipers won’t just be “used”—they’ll be operating nonstop! The most effective tool you can use to fend off rain is a set of properly working windshield wipers since they keep the rain off and improve visibility. You can get the wiper blades changed if they squeal when in operation or do not remove water uniformly. It’s best practice to keep your wiper blades in good condition and to clean the glass frequently. Additionally, you want to monitor the wiper-washer fluid. Similar to how a well-maintained AC system would aid in defogging while also keeping you from feeling stuffy in the humidity.
6. Examine Your Brakes
A safe driving experience can be made or broken by effective brakes. Getting your car to stop in time can be challenging on wet roads since the friction between the tyres and the pavement is reduced. For a better grip, there must be friction. A tragic event that is otherwise easily avoided with the aid of effective braking can be caused by worn-out brakes.
7. Get a Professional Service for Your Car
While you should do everything in your power to take care of your car, there are some tasks that are better left to the professionals. It is essential to have your car professionally serviced on a regular basis. They can devote the time and effort your car requires, and their knowledge is essential for spotting hidden problems an untrained eye would overlook. After all, prevention is preferable to treatment. Get your automobile thoroughly cleaned and serviced to avoid finding yourself in a sticky situation while driving.
Endnote:
Even if you make sure that all of the aforementioned precautions are taken, you could still get into trouble while driving on wet roads. Even though Indian roads are infamous for being challenging to drive on, the monsoon season adds an additional level of risk. These risks include poor vision, slippery, wet terrain, and unnoticed potholes, to name a few. It is vital to maintain composure and keep yourself safe in these situations. The one factor that frequently helps prevent serious accidents is the driver’s judgment. It is advised that you either put your car in park and wait it out or if you must drive, slow down. Keep your AC and headlights on, thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s equipment, keep an eye out for greasy roads, and maintain a safe distance from other cars. The new standard is social distance, even with your cars!
