How to Protect Your Vehicles in the Monsoon
Moisture and machines are not the best of friends. As monsoon hits the Indian coast and advances to the northern parts of the country through June, be prepared for intense humidity and water everywhere. Monsoon also means water-filled potholes, water-logging problems, wet things taking longer to dry and heavy traffic. While rain offers respite from the scorching summer heat, your vehicles are not exactly happy about it.
Potholes, slippery roads, poor visibility and waterlogging make it difficult and dangerous to drive a car during rains. In addition, it can damage your car's components. Make sure to check and maintain your car specifically for these conditions. Here are 5 areas you must look at for
maintaining your car during the monsoons:
1. Treaded tyres
Wet and slippery surfaces require treaded tyres to ensure maximum grip and to prevent your vehicle from sliding or aquaplaning while driving in the rain. It will offer greater confidence while cornering and will give greater grip even at high speeds. Additionally, tyres usually lose pressure during the monsoon, so it is recommended to inflate the tyres optimally to enhance their lifespan. For motorcycles, it is recommended to install new tyres and clean the dirt off the treads before it dries up.
2. Monitor braking system
Your brakes have to work harder in the rainy season. To prevent braking distances from increasing, check your brake pads, clean them or replace them if they are worn out. Ensure there is enough braking fluid and that the brake lines are well-lubricated. For motorcycles, clean your drum brakes from the inside and in case of disc brakes, clean the discs and callipers and check the brake fluid.
3. Maintain wipers
Your windscreen wipers will help you in improving your visibility in the rain. The rubber lining of the wipers is susceptible to wear and tear. Ensure that the lining is well-functioning at all speeds. You can also consider adding a small amount of detergent to the wiper washer bottle to clean your windshield effectively.
4. Protect the paint
Apply protective wax polish to help roll the water droplets off the body. Your door hinges must be greased and also check on the rubber lining on the doors and windows. Exposed metal areas can be sprayed on with an anti-corrosion spray. Do the same with motorcycles which have more exposed metal parts than cars.
5. Fix the electricals
Electrical components are particularly vulnerable to moisture-related issues. Fix any loose or unconnected terminals and ensure there are no exposed wires. Carry extra fuses to mitigate short-circuits. You can use toothpaste to clean your headlights and wash them off with some water to make them shinier. For electrical terminals, consider applying petroleum jelly to form a protective barrier against moisture. Motorcycles, too, have electricals exposed to the elements, especially the engine. Clean the engine of all mud and dirt, and ensure all your rider aids including the indicators are working fine. Tighten your mirror swivel beforehand to keep it in place while your ride.
6. Interior cleaning
Fungus and mould love moisture. Use fabric mats instead of rubber mats and vacuum the car regularly to keep dirt and moisture away. Air out your car in the garage or the sun if possible. Keep the windows down when it is not raining to allow air circulation and prevent fungus from growing.
7. Chain-cleaning
Motorcycle chains gather mud and grime as you traverse over potholes and slush in the rains. Clean the chain links and lubricate them with engine oil or grease. It is recommended to lubricate your chain every 500 kilometres.
Additional driving tips:
- If your windscreen fogs up in the rain, you can point your AC vents towards it
- Drive slow during the rains as it increases your braking distance
- Rev the engine slightly when driving through stagnant water to prevent water from entering the exhaust system
- Avoid cornering at high speeds to keep your rear wheels from sliding out
Ensure you get your car or bike serviced before the monsoon season starts to prevent any mishap during the rains. In addition, make sure your
car insurance is up-to-date. You can easily
renew car insurance online to enjoy its protective benefits. Furthermore, consider availing of a
long-term car insurance policy to enjoy a lower premium and fewer hassles of having to renew it every year. Consider availing of a comprehensive
car insurance plan to ensure stress-free, wide coverage.
