Car Care Tips - Drive Safe this Monsoon

MANILA: Monsoon is not an easy time for the Philippines, heavy showers, road clogging and consequential floods is what one mostly relates to this season. Year after year, we have seen government agencies coming up with various precautionary measures and rescue operations, all missioned to reduce the fury of this water pouring season considerably. On such precautionary example is taken up by MMDA, where the authority is seen working on the maintenance of pumping station and more. But as responsible citizens, we feel it's our responsibility as well to keep you informed and help behave smartly during this H2O spilling times.

So, here we are with a 360-degree guide on how you can commute safely during the rainy season.

Parts that need most attention during monsoon -

1. Tyres

The first thing to check before taking your car out on the wet roads is its tyres.

Q. What are the signs that indicates towards a worn-out set of tires?

A. Well, first it's the tread depth of a tyre that will help you decide whether or not they are required to be changed. Now, the tread depth should at least be 2mm, anything lesser than that will increase the risk of skid over slippery roads due to lack of road grip and friction. The second thing that'll speak well about a tyres health is its air pressure. As rubber has the tendency to soften when in contact with water, so ensure the air pressure is checked timely and is set on the limit recommended by the driver.

2. Brake Calipers

Next component that requires attention during the rainy season is car brake calipers, as wet brakes lead to reduce braking efficiency.

Q. Now, the question is what can be done to maintain the required braking response?

A. Firstly, clean brake calipers regularly and replace them when your car doctor recommends for the same. Secondly, to ensure proper functionally when out in the rain, try drying your brake by placing your one foot on the brake and accelerating the car with other foot simultaneously .

3. Wipers & Washer

This area requires adequate attention too, as the wiper is the only equipment that will provide clear visibility during a heavy pour.

Q. How to check the health of a car wiper?

A. First, look for cracks and hardness of rubber, as both these deformations affect wiping work and also increases the risk of scratches on the windscreen. Secondly, check whether the wiper is functional at all three speeds, if not, get the issue fixed. Also, remember to keep the washer bottle filled and if needed, add few drops of cleaner to keep the windshield clean and oil free.

4. Wire Connections

Another important area that requires attention are the loose wire connections both visible and hidden, as water holds the capacity to damage the concerned machine connected to the wire.

Q. How to ensure that water does not get in touch with ill fitted wire connections and cause further damage?

A. First thing first, look for loose wire connections and patch them up with no delays. Secondly, it is recommended to check whether or not all fuses are working fine and not matter if they are, it's always better to carry some extra fuses with you. Thirdly, before taking your car out, check all the lights including headlight, fog light, turn indicators and brake lights. If needed for better visibility you can use auxiliary lights for better and clearer road visibility.

5. Exterior

Your car's body is at a risk of damage when exposed for a long time to rain water, it's because this water coming from the sky above is a bit acidic in nature, also, it is a lead cause of car rusting.

Q. How can you keep your car body safe from rainwater?

A. Wax, car wax is what can protect your car from the acidic rainwater. Not only will it create a shield protecting the paint, but it will also allow the water to slip off easily. Secondly, to prevent rusting, it is advisable to spray the exposed metal parts will anti-moisture spray that is easily available in the market, you can also add diesel and used engine oil and spray it on the engine bay, leaf springs and underbody. Thirdly, if any how rust gets hold of your car then we advise you to use rust-removal power. Fourthly, if you are thinking of protecting your car by covering it with a car cover then we advise you not to do so, as the cover will help the moisture to set in deeper and faster, creating a perfect environment for rust. Lastly, we'll advise you to get the chassis water holes checked for any blockage as the same can cause severe damage down under.

6.  Interiors

Like the exteriors, car's interior is too at the risk of damage during the rainy season. The water after entering the cabin can damage carpets and flooring. Also, during the rainy season, defogging your car becomes a must for better visibility of the road ahead.

Q. What can be done to avoid prospective rainwater cabin damage?

A. The first thing that we'll advice is exchanging your rather new mat flooring with a pair of old fabric mat. This will serve two means, you will save from spoiling your new mats, plus the old ones will soak all the dirty water. For the soaking purpose, we'll advise on using fabric over rubber mats, as the latter will hold water and increases the chance of cabin rust by manifold. Secondly, vacuuming your car becomes a must, as only it can take off the car odour, created due to wet seats and matting. Thirdly, keep you car windows open, as it will ensure that there is no fungal growth. Coming to the defogging part, here's what you can do, turn the air vent upward facing the windscreen, move the knob to 'fresh air from outside' indication, set the fan on low, turn on the A/C and in few moments you'll find your windscreen getting all cleaned up and mist-free.

That’s all for now on rain car care tips, stay connected with CarBay to know more about monsoon driving tips and essentials that you should carry, while out on a drive during rain.