Car Care Tips for Monsoon

The monsoons are here and with it, they bring heavy rainfall that leads to floods, traffic jams and a whole host of other issues. In addition, the rains are also very bad for the car as the mid, dirt and water tends to accumulate in areas which can result in rust and electrical issues.

More said than done, driving in the rains could be quite difficult and that is why most people advise against it. However, if the necessity to drive during the rains is higher or if you simply have your car parked in the rain, you might need to have some helpful tips at hand to keep your car safe.

How to Take Care of Car in Monsoon: 20 Car Care Tips

Every automobile lover or a car owner has faced problems during heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. While it is important to get your car serviced regularly, it is not possible to turn up to a service centre every day after a heavy shower. For this reason and many others, it is crucial to know a few tips and tricks to keep your car shielded from water and corrosion.

Here are a few monsoon car care tips that you can follow:

1. Windshield Cleaning

Always remember to keep your windshield and other mirrors spotless specifically if you’re taking out your car after a night of rain. After a night of rain, the water dries out in the morning and leaves mineral deposits behind, which transform into the dirt. This would hamper your judgement and give you an unclear view of what is ahead which can be dangerous.

2. Lights

After a night of heavy downpour, your lights are the one that guides you through the path. They are basically your only source of visibility in the foggy climate not just for you, but also for the incoming traffic. Hence, you should always pay extra attention to the lights before driving your car in the rainy season. Make sure your lights are working properly and efficiently. To keep things more clear, clean your car lights before heading out or you can use a water-repellent product on them.

3. Wipers

If you haven’t used the windshield wiper since the last monsoon, make sure to replace them as during the summer, due to the excessive heat, the rubber of the wiper can crack and become brittle. Make sure you get them replaced if required.

4. Car Wash & Wax

Once your car has mud stuck to the car and has stayed like that for a few nights, the easily removable spots become stubborn. This means you will have to go through a cleaning service to get them removed. Moreover, just like your car glass, your car paint is also vulnerable to dirt spots. Hence a car service helps in protecting the car from getting dirty again as the wax acts as water repellent.

5. Tyres

During the monsoon, the majority of road accidents happen due to bad and unmaintained tyres. When the roads are wet and slippery, it takes extra strength from your brake and tyres to bring the car to an accurate halt. A worn down and the old tyre will do you no good, hence replace if necessary.

6. Battery

Driving during the monsoons requires additional power from the battery, and hence it is important to have a look at it before stepping into the downpour. Cold and wet weather can stress the battery, whereas humidity can cause corrosion and drain it overnight.

7. Wiring:

Improper wiring or ones with insulation peeling off have a good chance of shorting, especially when they come into contact with water, and that can be a safety hazard to you and others as well. Take a proper look at all the visible wiring and also make sure any aftermarket electrical fitments are wired using high-quality cables

8. Brakes

Always remember that it is different when you’re driving on a wet road when compared to a dry one. You would need to press your brakes much before you would do otherwise. This happens because the water leads to a reduction in the friction between the tyres and the brakes. Hence checking the brakes every now and then is crucial.

9. Check for Leaks

Every car is built-in with rubber seals which help to keep the water out of the car. But over time, the rubber loses its grip and is unable to shield the car as much. This leads to water dripping inside the car and you don’t want that. Make sure to get an inspection if necessary.

10. Air Conditioner

While driving in the rain, the windows are always kept shut. There is no way for the air to enter and leave the car, and you keep inhaling the same air. To avoid this, make sure your air conditioner is in good condition.

11. Defogging

Most cars today come with automatic defoggers which will ensure that your windshield and windows always show clear visibility while driving through foggy roads.

12. Tighten the Belt

The accessory belts attached to the pulleys on the side of the engine serve to transfer power from the engine to the alternator, air-conditioner, and power steering system. Make sure you take a look at the belts and have them tightened at a service centre if you face any issues.

13. Interior Care

Wet, muddy shoes, drenched clothes, and the moisture in the air; if there is anything that goes through the worst in the monsoon season, it is the car’s interior. It is not only unhealthy but can also lead to a smelly interior. Use newspapers and towels to absorb the water and mud off the carpets.

14. Emergency Kit

It is considered a good car care tip for the rainy season to have a backup. Make sure you keep your emergency kit handy when driving during the cold, rainy season. This should include a phone charger, tow cable, raincoat flashlight, and jumper cable.

15. Carry Spares

Weather can often be unpredictable and it would be great to have spares in your trunk. People often associate spares with tyres but you can also have windshield wipers since they are prone to damage. You can also carry additional car’s fuses, umbrellas, raincoats, towels, boots, etc.

16. Clean The Boot And Bonnet

There are a number of different places where dirt and debris can get stuck easily in your car like under the bonnet and boot. These places usually collect leaves, twigs, dirt, and even moisture without you even noticing. It can lead to water building up and rusting.

17. Protecting The Underbody

The underbody of a car is made from metal and is exposed to dirt, water, and other elements continuously which is why it should be protected even more. A combination of used engine oil and diesel is perfect for keeping the under-body of the car rust-free.

18. Protecting The Paint

One of the best ways to keep your car looking as good as new, even after a torrential downpour, is to use a protective paint layer. This will keep moisture and rain away from your original paint job.

19. Alloy Wheel Coating

In case your car has got alloy wheels, this tip is surely for you. You should get your alloy wheels coated before letting your car step into the puddles. This will make sure that your car’s alloys remain in their best condition.

20. Sanitise Your Car’s Cabin

During monsoons, you should definitely get your car’s cabin sanitised to prevent yourself from getting exposed to any virus. In the monsoons, the virus spreads pretty quickly. Even if traveling is necessary in the rains, but it’s best to be careful.

Monsoon Car Care: Related FAQs

In any season, the best way to protect the value of your vehicle and ensure that it functions well for years to come is to maintain it properly at regular intervals. However, knowing how to take care of a car can be a challenge for those who are unfamiliar with certain procedures.

We have provided answers to frequently asked questions related to automotive service for this reason.

Q1: How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?

The consensus agrees that a driver should get an oil change every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or every three months. However, you can always refer to your owner’s manual which covers the recommended oil change interval for your specific make and model.

Q2: How Often Should I Check My Vehicle’s Fluid Levels?

Aside from engine oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to the health of your vehicle. Some examples include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and power-steering fluid

Q3: How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

How often you need to change it varies, though the conventional timeframe is about 30,000 miles, which is why the best way to determine that it needs a replacement is to check it periodically. Fortunately, replacing a filter is a quick and easy process.

Q4: When Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

On average, brake pads begin to wear out around the 20,000- to 30,000-mile mark, but there are many factors that may impact this figure. Running with worn brake pads will eventually affect the rotors, which can be a costly repair, so taking a proactive approach will not only keep you safe but save you money as well.

Q5: When Should I Replace My Car Battery?

The standard battery is projected to last three to five years, but variables like hot and cold weather can influence its longevity, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs your battery power is declining.

Summary

Since the monsoon has already hit the country and is only going to get worse, there are many things you should take into consideration before you can get out there and drive through the rain. These above-mentioned monsoon car care tips will do just that, and help keep your car looking and performing as good as new.