Enjoying the rain? Great, but make sure your car is in the right shape to handle a downpour. As per a recent study, out of a total of 1.2 million road deaths in the world, India accounts for around 9.5% of the deaths. About 19% of this occurs during monsoons due to improper vehicle maintenance and poor driving skills.
No matter how beautiful and comfortable the image of rain is, the reality sometimes interferes with daily life and the movement of vehicles. The incidence of car breakdowns increases during the rainy season. In addition, long queues of traffic are a common sight these days. But what if we told you that by being prepared, you can avoid getting caught in such a situation? Your car is bound to experience sweltering heat during the summer, therefore, it is important to get it ready for potholes and heavy traffic, which comes naturally with season.
Here we provide you with a comprehensive list of tips to prepare your car for rainy days.
Before you start driving
- Replace the cracked car tire and check the air pressure and alignment, including the spare. With the road submerged in water, you most likely won’t see the potholes, and this will often result in a hit if the tire pressure drops. There are some tires specially made for riding in the rain. Get tires with good traction to prevent your car from skidding on slippery roads
- Good eyesight is important for safe driving. In our country, where the rainy season lasts only a few months, the rubber on the wiper blades becomes very tough. So check the wiper blade and make sure the wiper motor is working properly. If the wiper blades are very hard to the touch or look cracked, replace them immediately
- Through small scratches, water seeps into the bodywork and causes corrosion. If there are minor scratches on your car or the paint is peeling, have them repaired immediately
- Make sure your windshield is free from any scratches and damage. If your windshield is damaged, replace it before it starts raining. Also, the wash bottle must be filled, and if needed, you can also use a liquid detergent such as Vim/Pril to maintain windshield clean and oil free
- Make sure your car’s brakes are well lubricated. Brake fluid must be at the proper level and don’t forget to check the handbrake as well
- As the car’s metal frame protects the inside from moisture, keep it clean and scratch-free to prevent rust
- Have a professional make sure that the chassis water drain hole is free of dust
- During the rainy season, visibility decreases, so make sure your car’s headlights and fog lights are in good working order. Some people use toothpaste and water to wipe and clean their headlights
- Dampness and dampness cause a bad smell which is like a headache during monsoons. So always keep a pleasant perfume in the car
- The metal frame of the car protects the inside. If your car is old, anti-corrosion treatment will protect the chassis from moisture. Since alternating wet and dry spells can cause the car’s paint to fade, you should get your wax done before the rainy season arrives.
- Use old car seat covers and mats for the rainy season. What’s the point of ruining a new car seat cover?
Driving during rainy season
- Before you leave, check your car’s fuel tank. Always refuel well first and don’t let the fuel tank go below halfway, because being stranded in a traffic jam with the air conditioner and lights on, consumes more fuel
- On wet roads, the braking distance increases, therefore it is important to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Even in heavy traffic you will not be able to go above 20-25 km/h, however, maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front of you than if it were dry
- Do not close doors with a central locking system as they may not be able to be opened in the event of an electrical short
- Since you’ve made sure that all the lights are working properly, it’s time to put them to use and present yourself on the road. If visibility drops dramatically, turn on your headlights. Also, only drive in low beam as high beam reflects back and makes driving difficult, especially in foggy conditions. If traffic is moving slowly on the highway, turn on a hazard light to warn of vehicles following you
- Avoid standing water and sections of road where water accumulates. You never know what’s underneath — an open manhole or a manhole as both can cause major damage to your car
- Fog on the car screen can interfere with your driving. Turn on your car’s air conditioner and direct the airflow at the windshield. You can also use a defogger which draws current through a thin strip attached to the glass and helps dispel fog. If there is no air conditioning in the car, open the windows and clean the windshield with a soft cloth. However, be careful because you don’t want anything to distract you drive
- When driving through waterlogged areas, drive slowly and crank the engine to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe
- Never attempt to restart your submerged car as this can cause hydrostatic lock. Push the vehicle out of the water and inspect it carefully before driving again
After driving in the rainy season
- Hanging your car wet is a sin as it causes it to rust faster and deeper. Make sure to park your car in a well-ventilated area
- If you see rust, use rust remover powder to remove it
- Be sure to wash and dry your vehicle as soon as you get home after driving in wet conditions. Don’t wait for the car washer to come in the morning and wash your vehicle because the dirt from the road can affect your car’s paint. Every delay in cleaning the car causes more problems
| Must have | |
| Tool set | You may need it to repair your damaged car |
| Flashlight | Yes, your smartphone has a flashlight, but it’s useful if your phone’s battery runs out |
| Biscuits and chips | This is helpful if you are stuck in a traffic jam |
| Medical device | This is useful if someone is injured |
| Umbrella | It might help you if you need to get off and walk to a safe location |
Get complete protection against monsoons: Add a motorist to your car insurance policy
Wide car insurance maybe a little help in rainy season. That’s where riders come into the picture. Plus, there’s no waiting period, meaning you can buy and use it whenever you need it. Here are some drivers who can keep your driving safe and insured during the rainy season:
- Roadside assistance: Cases of engine failure and vehicle damage are increasingly common during the rainy season. If you get stuck in the water, get help with a roadside assistance program. The insurer will tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. Apart from that, it also offers services like, refueling, battery jumpstart, flat tire replacement, etc.
- Engine protection or hydrostatic lock: If you drive through a waterlogged area or your vehicle is submerged in water, there is a possibility that water may seep into the engine and other interior parts of the car. Engine repair costs are very high, therefore, it makes sense to purchase an engine protection rider, which provides full protection in the event of engine replacement or repair.
- Zero depreciation cover: The insurer settles the claim after deducting the depreciation value of the car and its parts. With this add-on, the insurance company settles all claims without taking depreciation into account.
- Back to the bill: In case of damage, you can get full compensation. This add-on plays an important role by bridging the gap between the stated insured value (IDV) and the vehicle’s on-road price.
Thoughtful mix car insurance motorists along with the above precautions can ensure the safety of your vehicle during monsoons.
We wish you Happy Monsoon driving!
