Current location:
‘A good beginning is half the battle won!’
The monsoon is upon us and even though it might not be as ferocious as last year, it is high time we pull up our socks and get our weapons ready to fire.
Yes, we are talking about cars - that are going to drive us through the monsoon - facing every obstacle the raingods have to throw at us. We certainly would not want to get stuck in the middle of a heavy downpour trying frantically to avail assistance.
Now that you are trying to remember the last time your car got serviced and what was done then, first get the contact numbers of the nearest Authorised Service Station, local mechanic, Road-side assistance companies and the fire brigade.
While you continue looking out for those, do go through the DO’s and DO NOT’s list we have compiled that would help you wade through the deepest waters of this monsoon!
DO’s –
Ø Get your car thoroughly checked up – engine oil, brake oil, coolant, fuel pump, battery, ignition coil et al.
Ø Get the underbody of your car checked and replace the worn out or missing drain plugs – if you are wading through a water-logged stretch, you do not want the water to enter into your car.
Ø Get the rubber door beading checked thoroughly for loose ends , it stops water and moisture from entering into the car.
Ø You can get the car floor laminated to prevent the floor fabric mat from getting wet. A car air-freshener should also be handy. Do remember to let your car bake in the sun once in a while or drive with windows down to avoid the moisture stench.
Ø Get the suspension linkages, steering linkages and other moving parts properly greased – this will keep the water from entering and corroding joints.
Ø Get the wiring thoroughly checked and reinforced with taping to avoid any short circuits - increasing the reliability of your car. Also, apply petroleum jelly to the battery terminals to keep them from rusting.
Ø Get all the lamps - headlamp, tail-lamp, indicators, cabin-lights in place. Get the headlamps cleaned and sealed to avoid condensation.
Ø Get all the tyres / valves checked and replace if necessary. Good tyres are very important to provide you grip on the slippery wet roads. Also, keep a periodic check on tyre pressure.
Ø Do carry a puncture kit in your car - monsoons are very demanding on tyres.
Ø Get brand new wiper blades – with the Indian heat, they tend to harden within a year and scratch the windscreen surface if used for too long! Apply anti-fog, anti-mist fluid like Rain-X on windscreen and more so the mirrors, front windows and rear glass. This will help improve visibility through the glasses that don’t have wipers to clear them.
Ø Check the wiper motor, washer fluid reservoir and pump – a clean windshield is imperative for improved visibility.
Ø If you are in areas prone to water-logging – carry a window glass breaker in your glove box to facilitate emergency escape from the vehicle. Also carry biscuits, munchies and drinking water in case you are stranded at remote locations. An umbrella and a flashlight will also be helpful during the night. Some adventure sporting goods stores like Decathlon stock torches that can be charged by a simple winding action. We find these extremely useful because we don’t have to worry about battery replacement.
DO NOT’s –
Ø Do not speed when it is raining or even when the road is wet – the tyres have less grip due to water on the road surface and there is a very good chance of you losing control or not being able to brake in time.
Ø Do not drive without AC when it rains as it will result in the fogging of windscreen and windows, reducing visibility. Remember to shut off the recirculation if this doesn’t help. Use the windshield and rear screen heaters if the outside of the glass starts fogging up.
Ø Do not enter still water with the speed you are carrying – the splash may result in water entering the air-cleaner and leave you stranded in the middle of the pond! The best solution is to stop before the water and wade slowly through it.
Ø Do not lift off the accelerator when wading through water as water may enter the engine through the exhaust due to back pressure stalling your engine. Maintain a steady slow pace to maximise your chances of negotiating logged water. This might be a little hard to do with a manual if you have to brake, but popping the shifter into neutral and left-foot braking should help, should you have no choice but to come to a stop with your exhaust under water.
Ø Do not make sudden evasive manoeuvres or abrupt halts. Use hazard lights, indicators and headlamps effectively to warn others about your movements or on-road obstacles.
