While the current rains are a blessing, for may car owners the rainy season brings a plethora of problems for their vehicles. The cold and wet weather coupled with high humidity not only cause issues while driving, but also contribute towards damages from rust and corrosion.
If the right precautionary measures are not taken before you decide to brave the storm in your car, you might end up spending an exorbitant amount of money on the repairs later – or worse, you can even get involved in a serious accident. Everyone agrees that taking care of your car, especially during heavy downpours, is just like taking care of your body — it goes a long way when done right.
Here are some tips to keep your vehicle in pristine condition.
Check the tires of your car regularly
Clean your windshield after the rain
Driving during the rain can cause visibility issues since the raindrops get smeared across the windshield. However, this can be prevented by using water-repellent products on the windshield that cause the water droplets to roll off and prevent them from obscuring your vision. After a downpour, the rain water dries off leaving behind mineral residue that can attract dirt and affect your vision while driving. Therefore, it is important that you clean your windshield immediately after your car has been outside in the rain.
Wash and wax your car
It might seem pointless to many to wash a car during the rainy season since the rain has already washed away all the dirt. However, it might come as a shock to a number of people that rain water doesn’t help much when it comes to the durability of a car. When your car dries off after a downpour, acidic deposits are often left behind that eat away the exposed areas such as the paint. Washing your car using solvent-free cleaning products or even just plain water can help neutralise the acidity to a great extent. You should also apply wax to your car for added protection since it will help the water droplets roll off from the body of the car.
Maintain your windshield wipers properly
A car’s windshield wipers are one of the most significant components at the time of a downpour. Windshield wipers should ideally be replaced every year since they face a lot of wear and tear that can cause them to become dry, cracked, and brittle. If not replaced frequently, they can leave streaks across the windshield and impair your vision. While changing your wipers, make sure that you purchase the ones that are the right length according to your car’s make and model, and have the proper connector clips.
Check if your car’s headlights and taillights are working properly
Headlights and taillights are important not only to illuminate your way, but also to indicate other drivers about your location. This becomes even more important when it is raining since the vision of the drivers on the road can get affected due to visibility issues, thereby, increasing the chances of a crash. Therefore, it is paramount that you check if the lights of your car are working properly before going out.
Check the batteries of your car
Usually, car batteries last for approximately 5 years on an average. However, it gets reduced to one to two years due to the corrosion caused by cold and humidity during the rainy season. If you are finding it difficult to start your car, cannot turn the lights on, or see any other similar sign then there are high chances that your car’s battery is either dying out or bloated. To avoid being stranded in the middle of a storm, it is better to replace the batteries of the car when you see such warning signs.
Check your car’s braking system
One of the major components of your car that gets affected when the monsoons arrive is its braking system. Hence, they should be taken proper care of to avoid any risk while driving. Brakes become less effective when they become damp, therefore, you should get the car out of water as soon as possible. In case your brakes have become damp, you can slowly accelerate while applying the brakes to dry out the brake pads. If the problem persists, you should get the problem fixed immediately by a professional.
Check the accessory belt of your car
The main function of the accessory belt is to deliver power from the engine to various components of the car. If this belt is loose or worn out, and gets damp during the rainy season, it causes a squealing noise which is not pleasant. You should get this checked before the monsoons to avoid hearing your car screech continuously while driving.
Check for any leaks in the car
The rubber seal around your car doors, windows, trunk etc. wear off and can come loose over a period of time. You should clean the debris around them and check if there is any leakage so as not to get drenched while sitting inside your car during a torrential rain.
Park your car in a well-ventilated area
Rusting of a car is accelerated when it is kept covered inside a damp or humid area. Keeping your car in a well-ventilated area prevents the formation of rust, thereby, extending the life of your vehicle.
Protect your car’s undercarriage
When you are splashing over puddles while driving during the rainy season, the water, mud, and grease can enter the CV joint boots and cause the lubricant to wash away. This will not only lead to an uncomfortable ride, but will also require you to spend a lot of money on repairs in the long run. Therefore, it is better to ensure that you fix all the issues in your car such as loose or leaking components.
You cannot lock yourself in to avoid going out when it is raining to protect your car. Therefore, it is necessary for you to take precautionary measures in order to ensure that when you do go out, you can enjoy your ride without having to worry about your car.
