While the monsoon season can be a welcome diversion from the intense heat, car owners face specific difficulties. Heavy rains, waterlogged roads, and reduced visibility can put your car or bike at risk. To ensure you and your vehicle stay safe, following essential car care tips is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pre-monsoon checkups to driving safely in heavy rains.
Getting Your Car Ready for the MonsoonDo a thorough inspection of your car before the first drops of rainfall. Pay attention to these crucial areas.
‐ Brakes: Make sure you have well-maintained brakes. The best-stopping force is required for safe driving on wet roads.
‐ Tyres: Check the tread depth and pressure of your tyres regularly. Proper tyre inflation and sufficient tread depth are essential for maintaining traction on slick roads.
‐ Lights: Check that your headlights, taillights, and indicators—among other lights—are all working correctly. Having good vision is essential in low-light and rainy situations.
‐ Wipers: Replace the old wiper blades. Efficient wiper blades ensure a clear view amid intense downpours.
- Engine Protection Cover:
The engine protection cover protects your vehicle from water damage from passing through flooded areas.
- Consumables Cover:
This financial backing, known as Consumables Cover in Car Insurance, helps replace parts like wiper blades and brake pads that are affected by monsoons.
- Roadside Assistance Cover:
Never get stranded in the rain! This cover ensures you get help quickly, whether you need a tow, tyre change, or minor repairs.
- Outstation Emergency Cover:
Leaving town? Extra assistance is offered by this add-on if your automobile breaks down far from home.
- Zero Depreciation Cover:
Zero Depreciation Cover ensures you receive the full claim amount for repairs without factoring in depreciation, which is especially beneficial during the high-risk monsoon season.
- How Additional Insurance Keeps Your Car Safe During the Monsoon:
Your Car rain protection cover ensures that your vehicle remains safe from the risks of heavy rains.
The monsoon can be a real downer... for your visibility, that is! To drive safely during heavy rains, here are some essential tips for maintaining your car's wiper blades:
- Clean Your Windshield Often:
A dirty windshield means dirty wiper blades, which can leave streaks and hinder clear vision. Wash your windshield regularly to remove dust, grime, and pesky monsoon bugs.
- Avoid Using Wipers on a Dry Windshield:
Avoid using your wiper blades on a dry windshield. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the rubber and even damage the glass.
- Clean Your Wiper Blades Often:
Clean your wiper blades frequently with a mild soap solution. This removes dirt, debris, and built-up grime that can affect their performance.
- Tighten the Wiper Arms:
Ensure your wiper arms are securely fastened to the windshield. Loose wiper arms can cause uneven contact and streaking.
- Change your blades regularly:
Replace your wiper blades regularly, at least once a year or sooner, if they show signs of wear, such as streaking, squeaking, or cracking.
The road may become a hazy mess after a heavy downpour. But don't let the downpour dampen your driving spirit! Here are some vehicle care tips to enhance your visibility and ensure safe driving during the monsoon:
- Regularly Check Windshield Wipers
Regularly check your windshield wipers. Streaks left by worn-out blades may impair your vision.
- Use Defogging System
Your windshield's interior may fog up, particularly on muggy days. To keep your vision clean, use the car defroster.
- Turn on Headlights
Activate your headlights even when it rains throughout the day. This improves your car's visibility to other drivers.
- Avoid Sudden Lane Changes or Overtaking
On wet roads, sudden movements might be dangerous. Remain in your lane and refrain from passing.
- Reduce Speed
Reduce your speed significantly and avoid sudden lane changes or overtaking. Slippery roads require extra caution and slower reaction times.
- Avoid Standing Water
If possible, avoid driving through standing water. If you must, assess the depth first and proceed cautiously at a low speed.
- Turn Off Cruise Control
During wet weather, turn off cruise control. It may impair your capacity to respond to abrupt alterations in driving circumstances, such as hydroplaning.
The monsoon presents drivers with several difficulties. Modifying your driving style for your vehicle care this rainy season is essential due to heavy downpours, high gusts, and slick roadways. The following are some crucial pointers for safely navigating these conditions:
- Driving in Low Visibility
Visibility drops significantly during heavy rain. Ensure your wiper blades are in good working order and your headlights are on, especially during the day.
- Driving in High Winds
Boost the distance between the car in front of you and your own. This gives you more time to respond to sudden stops or rain-obscured hazards.
- Driving on Slippery Roads
Avoid passing other vehicles unless necessary. In low visibility, estimating distances and incoming traffic might be difficult.
There are occasions when monsoon rains cause roadways to flood. Here's how to take care of your vehicle if you come across flooded roads:
- Assess Water Depth
Assess the water depth before attempting to drive through. If the water is too high or obscures the road beneath, it's best to find another route. Don't risk your car or safety.
- Stay Central
If you must proceed, drive slowly and stay in the center of the road, where the water is usually shallower. This will avoid creating waves that could push water towards the engine.
- Drive Steadily
Maintain a steady speed to avoid creating a wake that could splash water into your engine air intake or damage other vehicles.
- Prevent Hydrostatic Lock
Don't try to start your car if it stalls in deep water. Water can enter the engine and lead to expensive repairs (hydrostatic lock). It's best to wait for the water to recede or call for help.
- Remain Calm
Stay calm and call for assistance if your car gets stuck in floodwater. Don't attempt to wade through the water, as there may be hidden dangers or strong currents.
Monsoon driving requires extra precautions and diligent vehicle care. By following these car care tips and using appropriate car insurance add-ons, you can ensure your vehicle remains in top condition, and you drive safely through the rains. Remember, proper preparation and cautious driving are your best allies against the challenges of the monsoon season. Stay safe and keep your vehicle protected!
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.