Rains bring a lot of joy for the country and just liven up everyone with the pleasant climate. However no one likes getting soaked in pouring rain because his car got broke down. Moreover, no one wants their car to act funny on a slippery ground risking the safety of oneself and of others on the road. It is obvious that your car is less likely to break down, if you get it checked and serviced during monsoons.
Here is our guide on how to prepare your car for monsoons in 7 steps –
1. Tyre Check
Tyres suffer lots of abuse resulting in the treads to wear out. Worn treads result in providing less traction on the road which can be dangerous since the driver has less control of the car. Worn out tyres also affect the braking ability of the vehicle, not to forget the fuel economy is also lost. So make sure there is enough tread on the tyres to bite through the water and provide you the necessary grip. Also have your tyres balanced before the monsoons. If you have been using the same tyres for 5 -6 years now, it is best that you make the change for better and safer performance on road, just before the monsoons. Remember to always maintain the optimum pressure on your tyres for better performance.
2. Check Wipers
Ideally you should not use your wipers beyond two years. Most of us ignore that and then face problems of visibility during monsoons. Wipers harden over time and have to be replaced. Check the condition of the wipers on your car. If cracks have developed on the rubber, it is best to get a pair of new ones. A pair of wipers will cost you anything between Rs. 350/- – Rs. 700/- depending on your vehicle. Changing the wiper takes not more than 10 minutes.
3. Pre-Monsoon Check Up
A monsoon pre-check is mandatory before the rains pour in. Most companies offer pre-monsoon camps that offer free check-ups. The check up will tell you about the condition of your brake pads, callipers, air filter, spark plugs, suspension setup and much more. If a part needs a replacement, make sure you do so before the monsoons. Also ensure none of the seals are leaking. Check if the drain hole plug is intact, replace if necessary.
Top off all the necessary fluids like engine oil, brake fluid, windshield washer, coolant, if necessary. Don’t forget, getting your car serviced before the monsoons will ensure there are less chances of break down.
4. Anti-Rust Treatment
Monsoons lead to high humidity which is not good for metal. Co-incidentally your car is made out of metal too. Metal turns into rust under the influence of high humidity. The best treatment is to protect your car by not exposing any metal bits on the car. It is a nice time to get the exposed metal covered with a new layer of paint. Do not ignore small scratches, rust develops from tiny spots and spreads fast throughout the car. It is best to get an anti-rust treatment for the under body of your car before monsoons. Anti-rust is known to last for two to three years and you won’t need to get it done frequently. You should also apply WD-40 spray on the hinges of your car to avoid the squeaking sound when you open and close the doors.
5. Wax And Shine
The best way to protect the paint of your car from acid rain is by applying a coat of hard wax on the surface. Apply a good wax with the help of the cloth. Rub in circular motions to get the best effect and continue until the shine is visible.
6. Check Electrical Equipment
Check all the electrical parts on your car like bulbs, fuses and sensors are in working order. Ensure that the headlights, brake lights, hazard lights are all working, replace if necessary. If the headlight lens has become foggy over time, get it cleaned to enhance your visibility.
7. Clean Your Interior
If you are using cloth mats, it is better that you upgrade to rubber mats on your car. Rubber mats are easy to maintain and can be washed at your convenience. Rubber mats also have a longer shelf life and do not soak in water or mud. They also don’t allow water to seep in, that dampens the carpet leaving a stale odour in the cabin. You could also upgrade to 3D floor mats, if your budget permits.
Also clean your interiors like dashboard, seats and carpet in your cabin and make sure they remain dry throughout the monsoons. Check for leaks in the rubber piping around the door as well, replacing them is an inexpensive option and choose to do so immediately.
You need to alter your driving style specifically for the monsoons. With water on the road, the roads are more slippery and there is loss of traction. Make sure you avoid cruising at high speeds; be very careful as lack of visibility can be very dangerous. Use hazard lights in case the visibility is too low. Avoid using waterlogged roads as much as possible during monsoons. Drive safe and happy monsoons!