Who doesn't like monsoon? Monsoon brings joy to everyone and they feel more energetic than they usually do.
However, it also brings challenges for car owners. Heavy rain and humidity can disturb the working of your car.
Another challenge is that the driver can’t drive smoothly and efficiently due to the wet and slippery roads. This makes it important to take care of your car during the monsoon season.
So, here are the monsoon car care tips to ensure the car's good functioning and have the best driving experience this season.
Preparing Your Car for Monsoon
You can prepare your car for the monsoon by ensuring regular maintenance and tyre care.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
During the monsoon, regular maintenance checks keep your car in prime condition. It includes checking and maintaining fluid levels and battery health.
Inspect the fluid levels including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. They should be at their recommended levels to ensure and maintain the great performance of your car.
While it is important to check fluid levels regularly, you should ensure the good health of the car battery.
Your car won’t work without it as it is like the heart of the electrical system. Look at the terminals for any signs of corrosion. Clean them and make sure the battery is fixed securely.
Recommended Reads: Maintenance for a Car: Keeping Your Vehicle in Prime Condition
2. Tyre Care
Ensuring the car tyres maintenance tips will help you to drive safely on wet and slippery roads. Check the tread depth and tyre pressure of the tyres. Make sure the tyres are inflated for a great grip on wet surfaces.
The monsoon car care tips include regularly checking the tread depth. Ensure it is sufficient to maintain traction on wet surfaces. Look for signs of wear and tear and replace them if needed.
You get an enhanced road grip while driving when the tyre pressure matches the recommended tyre pressure. Hydroplaning is also prevented along with providing a great performance.
Ensuring Visibility During Monsoon
During monsoon, the driver's visibility of the road ahead is restricted, making it important to ensure the cleanliness of your car's windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights.
1. Windshield Wipers and Washers
It is necessary to have good visibility while driving during rain. It ensures your safety by allowing you to drive with clear visibility.
The wiper blades should be in good condition and should have no wear and tear. If they are worn out, you should replace them immediately.
Also, replace them to ensure the maintenance of windshield rubber because if it gets damaged, the wipers will not work properly.
Their proper functioning will clear the water from your windshield, allowing you to drive efficiently during rain. Look for signs of cracks, chips, or scratches as they can hinder your vision.
Your windshield stays clean and clear when the washer fluid reservoir is full and the washer fluid is of good quality.
2. Headlights and Taillights
The headlights and taillights can’t provide proper lighting during heavy rain when they are not aligned properly, leading to poor visibility.
That is why you should make sure of the proper alignment of headlights. These monsoon car care tips will ensure your safety by providing more visibility and the safety of other drivers by avoiding blinding them.
Regularly clean the headlights and taillights even if you have a facelifted car with modified headlights. Remove the dirt and grime from them to maintain their effectiveness and brightness.
Protecting Your Car’s Exterior
The monsoon season can take a toll on your car’s exterior. That is why you should ensure your car's protection from harm and damage.
1. Waxing and Polishing
Your car’s exterior gets affected during the monsoon season. The common issue you face is rusting and damage caused by water.
You can prevent all these issues by waxing and polishing its exteriors. It acts as an additional protective layer to the paint. This helps prevent the damage, water stains, and rust.
You should get your car waxed and polished before the beginning of the monsoon and then again in the middle of the season. This will ensure that the protective layer is maintained throughout the season.
2. Rust Prevention
As mentioned above, rusting also happens during the monsoon season. This can occur due to increased moisture levels.
But don’t worry because here is a solution for you. You can apply underbody coating to prevent rusting and corrosion on the car’s metal parts.
Clean your car regularly and wash away the dirt and mud. Make sure to clean the undercarriage where the rust usually takes place, as it gets exposed to water.
Interior Care During Monsoon
It is not only essential to protect your car’s exterior. You should also take care of your car’s interior during monsoon.
1. Floor Mats
You should keep your car’s interior clean and dry, especially when it easily gets wet during this season. That is why choose the right floor mats such as rubber or waterproof.
You can clean and dry them easily. Or the temporary solution is to put newspapers or cloth on the mat to prevent them from getting wet.
Mold and mildew also accumulate inside your car, making it important to clean the floor mats regularly.
2. Upholstery Protection
You don’t just have to protect the floor mats but also the upholstery from moisture and dampness.
If you want a permanent solution to prevent the water from getting absorbed into the upholstery, consider investing in waterproof seats.
Or you can use a large towel to protect your car seats from getting wet. But it is only a temporary solution and if by any chance the water gets inside your car, the upholstery will get damaged.
Moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers are also available for your car’s interiors. So, you use them to keep the interior dry and fresh.
Ensuring Safety on Wet Roads
The wet and slippery roads may not allow you to drive efficiently. This may also risk your safety. You should check the braking system and take anti-skid measures to ensure safety on wet roads.
1. Check Braking System
Another monsoon car care tip is inspecting your braking system as it is needed for safe driving during monsoon as roads become wet and slippery.
Make sure there are no signs of wear and tear on brake pads and replace them if required.
Your brake fluid should not be contaminated as this will make it difficult to drive in monsoon. It should be at the recommended level to ensure its great functioning. Top them up when required.
Check for leaks, corrosion, or damage in brake lines and hoses. This will provide you safety as in case of leaked brake fluid, brake failure can occur when the monsoon car care tips are not followed properly. So, ensure that the braking system is working properly.
2. Anti-skid Measures
You can control your car efficiently because of anti-skid measures on wet and slippery roads. You should ensure the correct functioning of the traction control system of your car to prevent skids.
Implement proper driving techniques to drive safely in wet conditions. These techniques include reducing speed, not applying sudden brakes, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
Electrical System Maintenance
The car's electrical components can get damaged in this monsoon season. Look for exposed wires and ensure battery protection for electrical system maintenance.
1. Checking for Exposed Wires
As you know, the car’s electrical system should be maintained properly to ensure the correct working of the car's various components such as starting the engine, powering lights and electronics, and more.
During monsoons, the wires tend to get exposed, making it important to check for them. Short circuits can occur when the wires are not insulated properly.
That is why the monsoon car care tips include checking whether they are insulated properly or not. In case, you see any exposed wires while checking, get the help of a professional as they will repair them immediately, reducing the risk of short circuits.
2. Battery Protection
The car’s battery should be protected to ensure its longevity and reliability. The battery terminals should be cleaned properly to avoid corrosion buildup.
You can apply a protective spray to prevent them. If you spot any corrosion, use a baking soda and water mixture. With the help of a wire brush or terminal cleaner, you can apply that mixture to clean off corrosion.
Make sure it is holding a charge by regularly testing the battery.
Emergency Preparedness
It is better to be safe than sorry. That is why you should always stay prepared for emergencies when driving during monsoon.
1. Emergency Kit Essentials
It is not a bad thing to stay prepared for emergencies. It can be helpful during the challenging seasons such as monsoon. It even saves you a lot of trouble and time.
You should carry various tools and equipment such as a jack, spare tyre, and jumper cables. Don’t forget to keep a first aid kit in your car.
2. Communication Devices
During emergencies, stay connected with your family or friends. This makes it essential to keep your phone fully charged.
You can also carry a power bank in case you need to charge your phone.
Parking Considerations
Another monsoon car care tip is to consider where you are parking your car. You can park it in your garage or carport. It will protect them from direct exposure to rain and even sunlight.
The direct exposure can lead to water damage, rust, and corrosion, making it important to choose a covered parking spot. This will even protect your car’s exterior and its paint finish.
The electrical system will also be saved as the water will not enter in it. Avoid parking your car under trees to protect it from greater risk during rain.
Your car’s paint can be damaged due to the branches, leaves, or bird dropping. That is why it is important to consider the parking area during the monsoon.
Inspect Sunroof and Convertible Tops
Don’t forget about taking care of your car’s sunroof or convertible tops. You should regularly check their seals and functioning before and during the monsoon season.
It is necessary because of the damaged seals and poor functioning, the water can enter inside your car. This will not only damage the sunroof and convertible tops but also the car’s interior, including its floor mats and upholstery.
Ensure its maintenance by cleaning it with a damp cloth. Look for signs of wear or tear.
You can ensure its smooth working by lubricating its moving parts based on the recommendations given by the manufacturers. This will even seal out water effectively.
Keep the Car Uncovered
If you are one of those who cover their car during the monsoon, then stop doing this. Instead of protecting your car, you are damaging it.
Avoid covering your car as the cover material, especially a non-breathable material can trap moisture, leading to rusting or corrosion.
But if you still want to cover your car as you don’t have a parking spot, you can use a breathable car cover. This cover allows airflow while preventing the buildup of moisture.
Maintain Suspension and Steering Components
Suspension and steering components play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and control of your car.
This helps to provide a comfortable and safe driving experience. So, monsoon car care tips include ensuring they are properly maintained, as it will help to handle your vehicle more efficiently.
Regularly inspect its components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and brushings to prevent wear, damage, and corrosion. Make sure there are no fluid leaks from steering components.
The wheel should be aligned and balanced properly to avoid uneven tyre wear of any type of car tyres and have enhanced handling during monsoon. Avoid sudden maneuvers as they put stress on suspension parts.
Recommended Reads: What is a Wheel Alignment & Why is it Important? Know The Procedure of Wheel Alignment
Proper Functioning of the Air Conditioning System
Another monsoon car care tip is ensuring the proper functioning of the air conditioning system.
Humidity is at the next level because of this weather. This causes windows to get fogged and you feel discomfort inside your car.
That is why you should ensure that the AC system stays in good condition, as they can help reduce humidity levels, allowing you to drive more comfortably.
Don’t forget to check the air filter and ensure proper airflow from the vents. The good airflow will prevent windows from getting fogged. You can also use AC disinfectant to prevent the buildup of fungus.
Helpful Tips to Keep Your Car in Good Condition and Drive Safely This Monsoon
You can follow these helpful tips to keep your car in good condition and drive safely during monsoon. These tips will also include some points from the above but in a shorter version to help you better understand these tips.
- Check car tyres for tread depth and if it is properly inflated for better traction.
- Check the brake for responsiveness by inspecting the brake pads and fluid.
- Replace wipers if the signs of wear and tear are visible.
- Clean headlights and taillights properly and check their functioning.
- For better visibility during the monsoon, ensure the windows, mirrors, and windshield remain clean.
- Inspect the car’s battery health and clean its terminals thoroughly.
- Make sure to keep an emergency kit with essentials.
- Don’t drive your car through puddles or flooded roads.
- During the monsoon, it is beneficial to drive at reduced speeds for your safety and to maintain control.
- Make sure to take your car for maintenance according to the manufacturer’s service schedule.
- Check and maintain the proper functioning of all electrical components.
- Look if the underbody shows signs of rust and damage.
- The air conditioning system should work efficiently to prevent fogging and humidity.
- Don’t forget to keep your car’s fuel tank filled, as it will help to avoid water condensation issues.
- Have enhanced visibility by applying rain repellent to the windshield.
- Don’t park your car under the trees.
- Don’t apply sudden brakes.
- Check and maintain the car’s air filter, ventilation system, and exhaust system.
- Practice proper driving techniques.
Conclusion
During monsoon, your car requires maintenance to ensure it stays in optimal condition. That is why it is important to follow monsoon car care tips.
You should prepare it for monsoon by checking everything during regular maintenance. Check tyre depth tread and pressure to drive smoothly on wet roads.
You need clear visibility while driving, which you can do by cleaning windshield wipers and washers.
Make sure to remove dirt, dust, and grime from headlights and taillights as they may diminish their brightness.
The car’s interior and exterior are protected from damage when you follow all the necessary monsoon car care tips.
From ensuring safety on wet roads to maintaining the functioning of air conditioning, these tips will help you to get your car through the monsoon. So, drive your car during the rain without any hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 How often should I check my tyre pressure during the monsoon?
Ans. During monsoon, you should check your tyre pressure at least once a week because it is necessary to maintain the correct pressure to drive smoothly on wet roads.
Q2 Can I use regular floor mats in the rainy season?
Ans. You can use regular floor mats in the rainy season. But it is better to use rubber or waterproof mats as the regular floor mats get wet easily, making cleaning and drying the mats difficult during monsoon.
Q3 How do I prevent my car battery from dying in the monsoon?
Ans. You can prevent your car battery from dying in the monsoon by regularly checking them. They should not have corrosion, their terminals should be well-cleaned, and test the battery periodically.
Q4 What to do if rain gets in your car?
Ans. If rain gets in your car, you should get as much water out as possible. You can also use a thick towel or wet vacuum cleaner to dry the cabin quickly. Or you can get the help of a professional as they can dry your car better than you can.
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