Navigating the monsoon season with your vehicle intact can be challenging. Heavy rains can pose challenges, from slippery roads to potential water damage. Hence, knowing the dos and don'ts regarding your vehicle's maintenance is very important.

This one-stop guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your vehicle safe and in top condition during monsoons.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Monsoon

1. Pre-Monsoon Checkup

Be monsoon-ready by first conducting a detailed vehicle check. A pre-monsoon checkup is crucial in detecting and fixing any possible problem before it develops into a severe one. Some of the areas that should be checked include the following -

• Brakes: Whether they are responsive and wear-free.
• Tyres: Ensure adequate treads and the correct pressures to avoid skidding on wet roads.
• Wipers: Replace old, worn wiper blades with new ones for clear visibility in rain.
• Lights: Check all lights—headlights, taillights, and indicators—to ensure they all work correctly.
• Battery and Electricals: Check your battery and all electrical connections to ensure they are tight and not worn or corroded. This will avoid failures during rainy periods.

These defects can be attended to by a professional so that your vehicle is monsoon-ready.

2.  Essential Upgrades

Certain upgrades can go a long way in making your vehicle more safe and reliable during heavy rainfall. Some critical upgrades that you should consider include:

• High-quality Wipers and Windshield Washer Fluid: Never compromise visibility during heavy rainfall.
• Anti-Rust Coating: The underbody of your vehicle is most prone to rust when continuously exposed to water.
• Waterproof Seat Covers and Floor Mats: This will help the interior stay dry, avoiding mildew.
• Rain Guards and Window Deflectors permit a partially open window for ventilation in the rain.

Dos for Vehicle Care During Heavy Rains

1. Regular Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance will sustain your car during the monsoon season. Follow these tips to ensure that your vehicle is always in working order:

• Regular Cleaning: This prevents mud and dirt buildup and consequential permanent damages.
• Tyre Maintenance: Regularly check the tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure an excellent driving grip.
• Brake and Light Functionality: Brakes should be responsive, and lights should be of good intensity to enable perfect vision during drives with poor visibility.
2. Safe Driving Practices

Safe driving practices are essential while driving in the rain:

• Keep Safe Distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles ahead of you. It gives you more space to bring your car to a stop.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp turns to prevent skidding.
• Reduce Speed: Lower your speed so you have better control over your vehicle to avoid hydroplaning.
• Use Headlights and Fog Lights: Be able to see and be seen by other drivers.
3. Protecting Electrical Components

Water can cause severe damage to electrical components, so ensure that you protect them:

• Keep the Engine Dry: Utilize protective covers; check regularly for moisture.
• Cover Exposed Wires: To prevent short circuits, check and seal for exposed wires.
4. Water-Logged Roads

While driving over waterlogged areas, one should proceed with utmost caution:

• Look Out for Depth of Water: Avoid driving in deep waters that can flood the engine.
• Steady, Slow Speed: Drive slowly so water does not splash onto the vehicle.
• Keep Engine Running: If the engine is stalled in water, keep it running to prevent water from entering the exhaust system.

Don'ts for Vehicle Care During Heavy Rains

1. Ignoring Warning Signs

Diagnosing potential problems can help in preventing severe ones:

• Abnormal Noises or Illuminated Dash Indicators: Check these immediately to prevent breakdowns.
• Tyre and Brake Issues: Do not neglect wear and tear or poor brake performance on your tyres.
2.  Driving Through Deep Water

Deep water may badly damage the engine:

• Hydrostatic Lock: Never drive in deep water, as water may enter the engine and cause a hydrostatic lock.
3. Visibilities Are Ignored

Proper visibility is most necessary for vehicle safety:

• Replace Worn-Out Wipers: Replace them immediately to have a clear vision.
• Defog Windows Properly: Defoggers will keep Windows clear.
• Cracked Windshields: Repair or replace the windscreen to ensure perfect views with no obstruction.
4. Mistakes in Parking

Proper parking can prevent damage from heavy rains:

• Under Trees or Unstable Structures: Avoid these areas to prevent damage from fallen branches or other debris.
• Low-Lying Areas: Avoid those areas that commonly get flooded.

Emergency Tips

Be prepared for emergencies; it could save much time and reduce further damage:

• Vehicle Stalls in Water: Know what to do if your vehicle stalls in water, including calling for road assistance.
• Emergency Contacts: Always carry a list of telephone numbers of emergency contacts and roadside assistance services.
• Basic Toolkit and Supplies: Always keep essential tools and emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and water, in your car.

Post-Monsoon Vehicle Care

A comprehensive cleaning and servicing is required after the monsoon period:

• Cleaning and Drying: Clean your vehicle well, including the hidden parts, and dry it properly to remove mud and dirt.
• Look for Damage: Check for water-related damage and address any issues promptly.
• Professional Servicing: Get your vehicle serviced to inspect the monsoon-related wear and tear.

Vehicle Insurance: Your Safeguard during Monsoons

While the monsoons are in full swing, having the correct type of motor vehicle insurance is imperative.

Here's why:

1. Natural Calamities: The policy covers damages from floods and rains, so you get complete financial protection in any natural calamity.


2. Two-Wheeler Insurance: Protect your bike with two-wheeler insurance from water damage and other kinds of monsoon-related mishaps


3. Private Car Insurance: Choose the right coverage, including Private Car Insurance, to safeguard against monsoon-related incidents and ensure comprehensive protection for your vehicle.

Conclusion

Monsoon season demands extra vigilance and care for your vehicle. You can confidently navigate the rainy season by following these tips on preparation, maintenance, and safe driving practices. Ensure your vehicle is monsoon-ready by addressing pre-monsoon checkups, making essential upgrades, and adhering to regular vehicle maintenance routines.

Remember to consider the importance of having the right monsoon insurance coverage. With SBI General Insurance, you can secure comprehensive protection for your vehicle against monsoon-related damages. Whether it's coverage against natural calamities, two-wheeler, motor, or third-party car insurance, SBI General Insurance offers tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Prioritize vehicle care, practice safe driving habits, and protect your investment with SBI General Insurance to enjoy a hassle-free monsoon experience.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.