Heavy rains, flooded roads, and slippery conditions demand extra care to keep your vehicle in top shape and ensure your safety on the road. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 6 essential tips to take care of your car during monsoon rains, along with additional suggestions for safeguarding your vehicle in a cyclonic storm. Maintaining a car’s engine is essential if you wish to increase it’s life span, especially in monsoon. When you ignore doing this, the situation may arise where replacing an old auto part with a used one or a used engine becomes a necessity.
6 Important Tips to Take Care of Your Car During Monsoon Rains:
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Maintain Your Tyres:
When it comes to navigating wet and slippery roads during the monsoon season, your tires play a pivotal role as the first line of defense. Proper tire maintenance is indispensable for ensuring your safety:
- Tread Depth: Regularly inspect the depth of your tire treads. Worn-out or bald tires can significantly diminish your grip on wet surfaces, raising the risk of losing control. Your tires may already be equipped with a tread-wear indicator designed to signal when it’s necessary to replace them.
- Inflation: It’s crucial to maintain the correct tire pressure as specified by the manufacturer. Adequate tire pressure is fundamental for upholding stability and traction.
- Tyre Selection: To enhance your vehicle’s performance in rainy conditions, contemplate switching to all-season or specialized rain tyres. These tire types are meticulously engineered to excel on wet roads.
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Windshield Maintenance:
Visibility is paramount when driving in heavy rain. A well-maintained windshield ensures clear vision. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Windshield Wipers: Regularly inspect your windshield wiper blades for wear and tear. Replace them if they leave streaks or fail to clean the windshield effectively. Quality wipers are essential for keeping your vision clear during downpours.
- Wiper Fluid: Ensure that your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is filled with rain-resistant washer fluid. This helps in removing dirt, grime, and rain splatter, allowing for better visibility.
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Undercarriage Protection:
Flooded roads are a common sight during the monsoon season, and they can be tough on your vehicle’s undercarriage. Protect it from moisture damage:
- Undercarriage Sealant: Consider applying an undercarriage sealant or rust-proofing treatment to shield it from moisture and prevent rust and corrosion.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the undercarriage for signs of damage or rust. To prevent problems from escalating, address them promptly.
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Car Battery Maintenance:
Moisture can affect your car’s battery, potentially causing it to fail at the worst possible time. Have your battery checked for corrosion, loose connections, and overall condition. If your battery is old or showing signs of weakness, replace it to avoid unexpected breakdowns during the monsoon.
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Car Brake Safety:
During the rainy season, your car’s brakes can be significantly affected. Moisture tends to infiltrate them, resulting in a decrease in their effectiveness and overall performance. Therefore, it’s essential to verify the brake fluid level and ensure that the handbrake is in good working order:
- Brake Fluid: Verify that the brake fluid level is correct, as it can be affected by moisture. Ensure it’s at the recommended level for optimal braking performance.
- Handbrake Function: Ensure that your handbrake functions properly. A reliable handbrake is crucial for parking securely and maintaining control on inclines.
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Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle:
- First Aid Supplies: Include a first aid kit. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may require.
- Flashlight: A good quality flashlight with spare batteries is essential for providing light in case of car trouble at night or navigating through dark areas.
- Multi-Tool: A multi-tool, such as a Swiss Army knife or a multi-purpose tool with pliers, screwdrivers, and other attachments, is incredibly handy. It can be used for minor vehicle repairs, opening packages, cutting rope, and more.
- Blankets: They keep you warm if you’re stranded in cold weather or provide comfort if you need to wait for assistance. They can also be used as makeshift padding or for covering sharp or cold surfaces.
- Mobile Phone Charger: In today’s digital age, a mobile phone is your lifeline for communication and assistance. To ensure your phone stays charged, keep a car charger or a portable power bank in your emergency kit.
A Few Additional Tips:
- Ensure your headlamps remain spotless for optimal visibility on the road.
- Carry spare fuses in your toolkit to be prepared for unexpected electrical issues.
- Consider pre-monsoon servicing as a smart precaution to prepare your vehicle for the rainy season.
- Opt for a wax coating to shield your car from rust and corrosion.
- Keep your windows fully closed to prevent interior dampness, even a slight opening can lead to issues.
- Revving your engine is recommended to expel water effectively from the exhaust system.
How to Safeguard Your Vehicle During a Cyclonic Storm?
Follow this step-by-step guide to protect your vehicle, as well as yourself during a cyclonic storm:
Step 1: Secure a Safe Parking Spot
– Find a sheltered parking area like a garage or covered lot.
– If indoor parking isn’t possible, choose a spot shielded from direct storm impact.
Step 2: Employ a Vehicle Body Cover
– Use a sturdy vehicle cover to protect against rain and debris.
– Secure the cover tightly to prevent it from being blown away.
Step 3: Secure Your Vehicle
– If needed, tie your vehicle to a sturdy structure using ropes or straps.
– Ensure the ties are firm but not too tight to avoid vehicle damage.
Step 4: Avoid Low-Lying Areas
– Stay away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.
– Opt for elevated parking to prevent water damage.
Step 5: Activate Hazard Lights While Driving
– Turn on hazard lights when driving in adverse conditions.
– Drive cautiously, maintain distance, and be ready to seek shelter if the storm worsens.
Conclusion:
By following these comprehensive guidelines, including tire maintenance, windshield care, undercarriage protection, battery checks, brake safety, and emergency kit preparation, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges of the rainy season with confidence. Additionally, when confronted with the threat of a cyclonic storm, the steps provided will help safeguard your vehicle and yourself.
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