How to Take Care of Electrical and Non-electrical Car Accessories During Monsoon?

For most people, a car is an integral part of the family. Even if they don’t drive it every day, they ensure that it is well-maintained at all times. In India, based on where you are located, seasons can be different. For example, while summers are extremely hot in the southern part of the country, winters can get chilly in the northern belt. Most parts of India also experience monsoon for three months between June and September. Again, based on the part of the country you reside in, monsoon can vary between mild to extreme. With monsoon comes humidity, wet dirt, slippery roads, the risk of water entering the electrical system of the car, etc. Hence, every car needs to be monsoon-proofed to ensure that it functions optimally during rains. Today, we will share some tips to help you take care of the electrical and non-electrical car accessories during monsoon.

1. Car body

Before the rain starts pouring, ensure that you wax-polish your car. From the top to under the car, ensure that every part that can be polished has a layer of grease on it to help water roll off the car easily. Pay more attention to areas where water can accumulate like door locks, etc. Many car owners also use an anti-rust coating under the body paint if they are getting a repainting job done before the monsoon. This helps keep the rust away during the extremely humid season.

2. Wipers

The windshield wipers are the most crucial part of your car during rains. If they are not functioning properly, then visibility can become nearly zero during a downpour. Since the wipers are not used during summers or winters, they are prone to developing cracks. Hence, ensure that you check them thoroughly before rains. If the wipers are worn out, then they might cause scratches on the windshield, affecting visibility. 

3. Tyres

Monsoon is synonymous with wet and sticky mud that can easily get into the treads of the tyres and cause them to lose grip of the road. Hence, for safe driving during monsoon, it is essential to ensure that the tyres are in their best shape. While it is always recommended to use a tyre with a good tread depth at all times, during rains, you need them to avoid skidding and getting more control while braking. Regularly clean the tyres to keep the mud off. Also, you can apply a coating, available in most tyre care product ranges, to safeguard the rubber of the tyres.

4. Brakes

You need the brakes to function optimally during monsoon. With lower visibility and slippery roads, your car needs to stop when you want it to stop. Slow braking can be dangerous. Hence, ensure that you use a brake fluid that has the capacity to absorb moisture.

5. Interiors of the Car

Driving during monsoon can be fun, especially through a light drizzle. Most of us have experienced rolling down the windows and feeling the refreshing breeze mixed with tiny droplets of rain. As fun as it may be, these droplets of water can also seep into the carpet or seats and develop fungus in no time. Also, if your car has power windows, then water seeping into them can cause a short circuit. The fabric door trim and plastic on door pads also tend to wear faster they get wet. Hence, ensure that you drive with the windows up and use the demister to remove mist while driving during a downpour. If the interiors become wet, then ensure that you use a vacuum and leave the windows open when it is not raining to allow the moisture to evaporate. Avoid sitting in the car if you are drenched and use a plastic bag to keep the wet umbrella in the car. If too much water has soaked in, then take the car to a service shop for drying.

6. Electrical Accessories

Electrical components and water are a dangerous combination. Moisture can cause electrical parts to short circuit or malfunction within no time. Hence, as soon as monsoon approaches, get your car checked to ensure that its electrical system is working fine. Start with the battery – it should be in good condition. Use petroleum jelly on the battery’s terminals to keep moisture away. Check the alternator, junction boxes, fuses, etc. for efficient performance. Always keep a can of anti-moisture spray handy to help remove moisture from electrical components. Also, unless you are technically adept, avoid fiddling with the wiring of your vehicle. Even a small mistake can be costly.

7. Engine

Apart from getting your car engine checked for efficiency, remember that water entering the engine can be hazardous. Therefore, avoid driving through waterlogged roads and if you are stuck on one, then park your car, let the water recede, and allow your engine to dry before starting it. Call for roadside assistance if need be.

8. Car Insurance Policy

Car care cannot be complete without talking about a car insurance policy. Despite the precautions, if your car breaks down, or the engine goes into a hydrostatic lock or you have an unfortunate mishap due to poor visibility, a car insurance plan can help you manage the cost of repairs with ease. Major car insurance providers like Tata AIG offer free roadside assistance with their car insurance, which can be extremely useful if the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

Look for car insurance online to compare policies and find one that offers the perfect umbrella during monsoon.

Summing Up

Monsoon can be tough on your beloved car. Hence, pay more attention to any performance issues or snags to avoid a major problem. The tips mentioned above should help your car get through the rains with ease. Good Luck!