AUTOMOBILE, Updates

Monsoon Driving Safety Tips | Drive Safe This Monsoon

Posted by Bhargav Patel on

Most of the dents and scratches take place on your cars in the rainy season. So let’s talk about some monsoon driving tips. We will take two parts to it:

1) Car Preparations

2) Monsoon driving safety tips

Car Preparations:

    • Prepare a small checklist: Make a short list of inspections that you can perform on Sunday morning in 15 minutes. Like tire pressure and tread depth, oil leakages, engine fluid levels, in-car leakage, and rust around the body.
    • Test tires before monsoon: Take a 5 rupee coin and put it in between car treads, if the half coin is not visible then you’re good to go. Or else you can check it via eyes, if you have a 2-3mm depth, then you are monsoon-ready.
    • Brake test: Take your car for a spin and see does it stops on time or not. You will be able to notice the difference if there is in stopping time and distance. If it takes a longer time to stop then take it to a mechanic and ask him to change or adjust the brake pads.
    • Wiper blades: If you are running your old blades, that can leave scratches on the glass and make it worse in case of heavy rain. If it’s not working properly, change them with a new set, they don’t cost so much.
    • Check drain holes: See if there’s leakage or not. Holes that you’re using to drain water out of the car may also make a way for the puddle of water to come into the car. So seal them with rubber pads.
    • Door rubber beadings: Your doors have rubber beadings that make your car waterproof! Check if there is a leakage.
    • Use Water-repellent products: A lot of products are available in the market to apply to your car body and other places. You can apply them to the glass area so that water won’t get stuck there in the form of droplets and will roll down. Applying such a product may also save you from rusting parts.
    • Underbody inspection: Check for leakage and rust. If budget allows, apply underbody coating. However, underbody protection coating is not mandatory if you live in a simple atmosphere where there is less moisture in the air.
    • Light check-up: Your headlights, brake lights, hazard lights as well as in-cabin lights must be working so that at night and in emergencies you can have better chances of visibility.
    • Back up in the car: Have a torch, first aid kit, water bottle, a small hammer, umbrella, and pack of biscuits in your car. That will help you even with other problems.



While behind the wheels:

  • Control your speed: It’s the key to a win-win situation. Don’t overspeed if you know that your car is not able to stop in desired time and distance.
  • Keep the distance: If you are following a vehicle, maintain a safe distance between you and that vehicle, so if he even stands up on his brakes, you’ll have enough time before you let your car kiss his rear bumper.
  • Use your brake lights: Press your brake paddle to let your rear light lit up so that the person driving behind you can get enough time to understand that you’re going to brake.
  • Avoid tailgaters: If someone is driving too close to your back, let him pass. Having a car with ABS and Brake Assist will make you stop within seconds, but the motorcyclist or “rickshaw wala bhaiya” will surely kiss your rear bumper as they don’t have great brakes.
  • Daylight drives: Try to cover maximum distance in daylight, as rain in the dark is your enemy.
  • Overtaking precaution: Before overtaking someone, give signals and honk before going beside them.
  • Special places: Concrete roads will increase braking distance, so be alert while driving there. Be alert before going into underground parking lots and muddy parking areas.
  • Avoid puddles: In unknown places, you never know what the depth of the puddle is, stop your vehicle on the roadside, let someone pass through, and see if there is a go or no go!
  • Watch out for two-wheelers: Two-wheelers may stop anytime anywhere and they can’t control their vehicles like you. Keep a safe distance.
  • Avoid splashing: Don’t splash water on any pedestrian or even anyone.
  • Parking: Park your vehicle in known places. Try to park vehicles where there are no potholes or muddy water.
  • Avoid flooded areas: Avoid unknown flooded roads. If you have to go there, keep the engine revving and don’t let the car stall in the middle of the road. If your car stalls, don’t try to start it up again in the water.  Drive slowly and let the engine RPM up!
  • Start defoggers: Turn on fresh air mode and place your AC fan towards the windshield.
  • Before going to flooded areas: Turn off the AC, and open the windows halfway, so you can get out of the car or call someone for help!

So, these were some crucial monsoon driving safety tips that you should implement to make your ride safer.