If last year we had a deficient monsoon, this year the rains are back with a vengeance. And rainfall means extra care for your car?on the road and off it. A few preventive steps on your part can keep your car problems at bay and keep it monsoon-ready.
The contact point: Remember, tyres are the only contact your car has with the ground, and hence they need primary attention in the rainy season, because worn-out tyres mean compromising safety. Check the tread, if it is less than 2 mm in depth, consider re-treading or even replacing the tyre. A new tyre for, say, Maruti Swift will cost you about R2,000.
Driving through water also means a big drop in braking efficiency, so get your brake oil and brake shoes checked.
Go to the bottom: If you did not go in for anti-rust treatment for the car?s bottom while buying it, get it done now. It costs as low as R2,000 and pays in the long run.
Move towards top: Teflon coating for the car?s body paint ensures the paint remains new for at least a few years. Remember, it is the combination of the sun and the rain which damages your car paint the most. Teflon coating costs R3,000 onwards for a premium hatchback such as the Swift.
Go to the front: Windshield wipers are a must in the rainy season and if the wiper blades make a screeching sound when you use them, changing wipers is not an option but a requirement. Also, in this season, keep some discarded newspapers handy?they are good at removing stains on the windshield. If your car has a sunroof, get it checked. There is nothing more irritating, and damaging for the car?s interior, than driving with a leaking sunroof.
Move to the back: Rainy season is also a time when visibility goes low, so ensure that all the car lamps are in working condition, especially the rear ones because they help other drivers see you better. No, there?s no need to change the front headlamp or rear-lamp assembly, since that might set you back by a few thousand rupees. In fact, your mechanic can be the best judge and tell you if there is something seriously wrong with the lights and, sometimes, just replacing the bulbs is enough.
Get inside: Check under the floor carpet and see for any leakages. If you find any, get them fixed. It is also a good idea to have the electrical equipment checked if your car is a few years old.
Under the bonnet: Don?t neglect the engine. Especially the alternator belt (serpentine belt). If there is too much play when you press it, get it checked. Similarly, get the timing belt checked. Also, ensure that after every long drive through the rain or on water-logged roads, you get the engine washed with plain water.
Behind the wheel: Keep in mind that a car?s dynamics change altogether in the rain?it takes longer to stop and harsh braking can result in tyres skidding?so drive at responsible speeds, stick to your lane, use headlamps and ensure the safety of yours as well as others on the road.
Drive safe, enjoy the rain.