Car Maintenance Tips in Monsoon - 6 smart ways to protect your car from monsoon woes

Posted on: Jun 22, 2020 | | Written by:

Car Maintenance Tips in Monsoon - 6 smart ways to protect your car from monsoon woes

Published on June 22, 2020. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

The monsoon season is synonymous with gorging on fried snacks and sipping on hot tea while enjoying relief from the unrelenting summer heat. But while you bring out your rain gear from the attic and grab the keys to go on a long drive in your car to experience the magic of the monsoons, don’t forget to ensure your car is monsoon-ready. While the rains bring hope and joy in the hearts of many, car owners are worried a lot about the damage it could cause to their cars. Potholes, water-logging, floods, never-ending traffic jams, slippery roads etc are common monsoon woes experienced every year and your car bears the brunt of these monsoon maladies. But don’t let the rains dampen your spirits, here are some car maintenance tips to keep your car protected from the deluge of problems that the monsoon brings:

Car Maintenance Tips in Monsoon

1. Care for your car engine

Your car's engine is an essential component of your car and therefore there are no prizes for guessing that the damage your engine may sustain due to a heavy downpour could mean a lighter wallet. Water logging during floods could lead to severe damage to the engine, the replacement or repair of which is a costly affair. Water ingression can hamper your attempts to start your car, as a result, you may continuously crank the engine. However, you should avoid doing this as it can lead to malfunctioning of the cylinder wall, piston and connecting rod.

2. Tried and tested tips for your tyres

Always keep tyres inflated to the specified pressure. Keep a lookout for tread wear. Bald tyres are dangerous and can cause accidents, especially during the rainy season when the roads tend to get slippery. When the tread indicators are visible between treads, consider it the right time to change the tyres.

3. Why you should bother about the brakes:

It is obvious but neglecting your brakes especially before the monsoons could spell disaster. So check the brake fluid to see if it is at the optimal level, also get a technician to check the brake pads and discs. If the pads are worn out, they won’t provide enough braking power and hence it is essential to get them replaced.

4. Shed some light on the electrical and lights:

Rains are known to hamper electrical parts, hence ensure that all electrical systems are well insulated and in proper working condition. Especially check on the battery, as it is bound to get strained due to the additional use of monsoons, headlamps, wipers etc. Another common monsoon woe is poor visibility, therefore it is imperative that the lights remain in good working condition. Do a quick assessment of the headlights, tail lights, indicators and hazard lights. Malfunctioning lights are known to cause accidents and major damage to cars, whether you own the vehicle or it involves a third party.

5. Don’t neglect the wipers and washers:

Wiper blades remain unused for the rest of the year and as a result dust and grime can accumulate on them. Do a thorough check of your wiper blades and wash them with soap and water. The summer heat can also cause the rubber on the blades to crack, so if they look worn out, it is better to replace them. Worn-out blades will not efficiently wipe out rainwater from the windshield leading to difficulty in visibility and obscuring your view while driving which can be fatal. Also, check the wiper-washer fluids level as it helps remove sticky debris from the windshield.

6. Secure your car with a car insurance policy

We all know for a fact that the best form of protection you can give your car is a comprehensive car insurance plan. Yet we either restrict ourselves to a third-party liability-only policy that does not cover own damage leaving you vulnerable when the rains create havoc or we tend to be forgetful about our car insurance renewal date. As a result your car insurance policy lapses and you lose out on coverage and benefits. All you’ve got to do is do a little research online about a plan that suits your requirements, and with the help of a CAR INSURANCE PREMIUM CALCULATOR get a quick quote regarding your car insurance premium amount. Hence ensure you purchase a comprehensive car insurance plan that has a wider scope of coverage and can be your security umbrella when the rain gods unleash their wrath.

Ways to Improve the car's visibility during the rainy season

• Keep the wipers in good condition

Start off by inspecting your wipers every day. If you notice the wipers are not working properly or are not clearing the windshield to their best capacity, get them repaired. You cannot risk driving a vehicle in the rain when the wipers don't work properly.

• Use the headlights

Turning the car’s headlights on while there is heavy fog or rainfall can be an excellent idea. Not only does this improve your visibility when driving, but it also makes it easier for other vehicles to spot your car even when the visibility is very low.

• Drive slowly and cautiously

You simply cannot afford to be rash during the monsoons! Drive slowly and very cautiously in the rain. Do not overspeed or try to overtake any vehicle. You may not be able to see ahead a lot, so keep a steady pace and maintain your lane, while keeping your eyes firmly on the road ahead.

• Avoid puddles and floods

Try to steer clear of stagnant water. If you drive through such puddles, the dirty water may splash your own, or someone else’s, windshield and hamper visibility. So try to keep your vehicle on dry ground and drive safely.

• Defog the windows

Every vehicle has an in-built defogger. Keep it on as it is important to have fog-free windows and glasses to be able to see clearly out of the vehicle.

The Importance of Insurance

As you can see, the rains can be very dangerous and damaging for your vehicle. At such a time, having a good car insurance cover helps immensely. Here are some ways in which that happens:

• Helps protect your vehicle against mishaps

Unfortunately, road accidents are common during the rainy season. This happens because of low visibility, difficult driving conditions and mechanical snags in the vehicle, caused by water ingestion. At such a time, a motor insurance plan helps by allowing you to repair the car effortlessly without having to worry about the finances.

• Offers engine protection

You can add an engine protection rider to a comprehensive motor insurance plan. This will help you to keep your car protected and running, even when water seeps into the engine. Water ingestion is quite common during this season and even after your best efforts, you may not always be able to prevent it, so get a good car insurance plan with an engine protection rider.

• Offers roadside assistance

The roadside assistance coverage is of great use in the rainy season. Your vehicle may break down due to several reasons and you will be stuck on the road while it rains heavily. To get out of this situation, you can simply call your insurance provider and ask for roadside assistance. This is one of the most important reasons for getting car insurance during the monsoons.

Conclusion

So no more dreading the rains, get your car monsoon-ready with the above nifty tips and a car insurance policy that acts as an umbrella for your loved asset. We know that a car is a major financial investment and hence it is crucial that it is secured with a CAR INSURANCE PLAN that gives comprehensive coverage. It is your best bet against damage caused by the rains and helps you avoid spending a mini fortune on car maintenance costs that could otherwise have been covered under car insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales This blog has been written by

Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance.

Mr. Mukesh Kumar recommends "getting your two wheeler insured from HDFC ERGO, a brand serving more than 1 crore+ customers. With overnight repair services and more than 7,600+ network garages, you can be assured of help in event of any damage to your vehicle.

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