While most of South Asia is experiencing one of the hottest summers in recent years, the good news is that monsoons are just around the corner. If you like to beat the heat and go on frequent drives in the monsoon, you should make sure that your car is in good condition. There are some elements of your car that are overlooked throughout the year but come in clutch during the rainy season. Here are the top 6 tips to keep your car monsoon-ready.
Read Also: New Delta+ (O) variant added to Maruti Suzuki Fronx lineup
Check the tyres
From a safety perspective, the first thing you should put on the checklist is the condition of your car tyres. Old, worn-out tyres are prone to skidding on a wet surface and are harder to get under control. Check the tread level on all of the tyres, including the spare one. The tread ensures a good grip and keeps the wetness away from the surface of the tyre. Additionally, make sure the air pressure is optimum on all four tyres.
Replace the wiper blades
The wiper blades are put to good use during the monsoon season. If you haven’t checked their condition in a while, now would be a good time to give them a close inspection. Worn-out wipers can leave annoying streaks and smudges on the windshield. Replacing the blades does not cost a lot of money and goes a long way. You will be able to tell the difference immediately. Make sure the washer bottle is filled up with water and add some windshield cleaning liquid to it.
Check the brake pads
Checking the brake pads regularly is also crucial to maintaining your car’s safety quotient. If the brake pads are worn out, your car’s braking distance will increase significantly. This change is much more noticeable during the monsoon when the roads are wet. If your car is taking longer to come to a halt, it is time to get the brake pads replaced.
Check the lights
Visibility during the monsoon season is a big issue, especially among highway commuters. You need to make sure that your car’s fog lamps are in working condition. Under harsh weather conditions, the fog lamps boost visibility and can cut through not just fog but also mist, rain, and dust. On top of that, make sure that none of the lights in your car are broken or cracked because it can lead to the accumulation of water when it rains.
Car paint
If you park your car outdoors, its exterior will surely take a beating in the monsoon season. Make sure the painted body panels are waxed so as to minimise the corrosion after they come in contact with water. Check the area around windows, door sills, and the underbody for any signs of rusting. Keep the vehicle covered when it is parked outdoors.
Interior check
Monsoons bring humidity. If you’re not careful, bacterial growth can show up inside your car. Make sure the interior of the car is always dry. Getting in and out of the car can lead to dirt and water collecting on the floor. Inspect the floor mats after every drive and dry them when the sun comes out. Additionally, get the AC and the defogger serviced to stay on top of things.
Read Also: Skoda Kushaq and Slavia offered with discounts of up to Rs 2.50 lakh
Conclusion
These are the top 6 things you need to keep in mind to get your car ready for the monsoon season. Apart from general maintenance, you should be mindful while driving in rainy conditions. No matter how well-maintained the tyres and brake pads are, it is challenging to control a vehicle moving at a high velocity on a wet road.
