Monsoons are undoubtedly the most awaited season in our country as it brings relief from the scorching heat of summer. However, the season brings us water logged roads & potholes etc. These adverse conditions can take a toll on your car if it is not properly cared for. Therefore it is important to ensure that your vehicle is up to the challenge of driving through this rough weather.
Tires
Tires with good road grip are vital during all times, and even more during the monsoon season. Wet roads and a mix of oil and dirt can make driving very challenging indeed. Make sure that your tires are in good shape and have sufficient tread depth as specified by the manufacturer. Also, visually inspect for cracks and bulges, and get the tires replaced if required.
Brakes
Wet roads means lower grip for the tires. Consequently, the brakes have to work harder to bring to car to a halt, leading to greater wear and tear. Thus it’s imperative to get the condition of your brake pads, brake shoes and discs checked before driving in the monsoons.
All-Season Floor Mats
Muddy interiors are a direct impact of the monsoon. To prevent this, installing all-season floor mats that cover the floor of your car and protects the fabric lining of the floor is very important. These floor mats also serve to capture muck from your shoes and prevent it from soiling the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals.
Check & Replace Wipers, Mudflaps
One of the very important things to check before the monsoons is the windshield wipers. Also, the rubber blades that do the wiping hardens due to constant exposure to the elements like dirt and heat, resulting in poor wiper performance and a streaky windshield that leads to a reduced visibility. Check and replace the wiper blades if necessary and ensure the wipers are operating efficiently.
Related: Understanding Bird Droppings and Car Paint Damage
Also make sure that the windscreen is clean and free of large scratches, as scratches will lead to light dispersing while driving at night. Mudflaps also need to be checked as they prevent mud and dirt to splash on to your car body, replaced if they are broken or sagging.
Check All Beadings
Door beadings keep your car dry. Over time, beadings may fray or develop cracks. Once beadings go bad, your car’s water resistance takes a hit. Checking all door and floor beadings before the monsoon is a good idea to prevent any surprises once the rains arrive.
Check Air Conditioner
Related: Guides: How to Defog Car Windshield
Driving around with the windows up during rainfall, makes the glass surfaces of your car fog up. It’s simply because the temperature in the car is higher than that of the environment outside the car. To prevent this, you need to have a functioning air conditioning that regulates the temperature efficiently. Therefore, checking your air conditioner and filling up on the AC gas if required is vitally important. Also check out these tips to effectively defog the windshield of your car.
Electrical Checks: Headlights, Taillights, Hazard Lights
Ensure all electrical components including the headlights, taillights, brake lights, indicators and hazard lights are all in proper working order. Replace the headlight bulbs if they are not properly illuminating the roads.
Related: The Importance of Windshield Wipers
Wax Polish, Anti-Rust and Frequent Car Wash
Related: Guide: Protecting Your Car’s Exterior by Proper Washing and Waxing
A good coat of wax polish will deter water acting on your car’s paint. Pre-monsoons showers can be acidic in nature, so the wax polish will be your car paint’s first layer of protection and will protect the actual paint layer of your car. Also an anti-rust coating to the car’s underbody is a good idea to prevent corrosion, specially for people living in the coastal cities. It is also recommended to visit the car wash, at least once a week during monsoons.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
