The enchanting aroma of Mother Earth soaking in the first drops of rain always brings back warm nostalgic memories. Of those gumboots and muddy puddles; of the excitement of breaking into the new set of rainwear; of the warm cups of tea and of the long drives in the rain.
It also brings about an opportunity to create new memories for you and your friends and family.
We welcome the onset of Petrichor and would like to share with you our top tips to set yourself up for safe and enjoyable drives this rainy season.
Tires
The amount of tread you have on your tires is what determines the grip while driving on wet and sometimes slippery road surfaces. If the treads are worn out, there is an increased risk for aquaplaning, which is when a layer of water forms between the tires and the surface of the road and can lead to loss of traction and control over the vehicle.
An easy way to measure your tread depth is with the 1 Rupee test. Just take a Rupee coin, insert it in each groove, and see how deep it goes. Anything less than 2-3 mm, or if you see worn-out surfaces, it's a signal to retread or better still, replace your tires.
Get any punctures fixed and maintain the tire pressure per guidelines provided by your vehicle manufacturer.
Windshield and Wipers
Having good on-road visibility is critical for safe driving conditions.
Keep a glass cleaner and a clean set of microfiber towels handy at all times. Many glass cleaners also come with rain-repellent properties that cause water to bead up and roll away from the glass surfaces. Your car detailer might also be able to recommend glass sealants or coatings which in addition to providing a similar effect, also protect the windshield from acid rain, fungus, or other blemishes.
Wiper blades also have a significant impact on visibility, so ensure that they are replaced if necessary.
Lastly, ensure that you remember to top up your windshield spray container with water or wiper fluid and that the spray mechanism is working well.
Headlights
Keep your headlights clean at all times.
To start with, after washing your car thoroughly, use a quality glass cleaner to get rid of any dirt, mud, bird droppings, or greasiness. Apply white toothpaste evenly over the headlight glass using a brush and clean/ buff using a clean microfiber towel.
Your car detailer may be able to recommend headlight restoration options too, to address excessive yellowing or scratches on the glass surfaces that might impede your visibility during the dark.
Electricals
It is always advisable to be prepared for floods on roads. Get your electricals checked from your service station to ensure there are no leakages or false earthing on the cables.
If you have got some aftermarket equipment installed on your cars such as rear-view cameras or music systems, check for exposed bits of wire to prevent short-circuits and damage to equipment.
Brakes
Before the monsoons arrive in full swing, make sure you have your local mechanic or service station give your brakes a thorough check for effectiveness.
Check the brake fluid level, and top it up if required. Change the fluid if you notice it getting darker.
Keep track of the warning signs for wear and tear to the brake pads. If your pedal feels unusual or makes noises when engaged, its time to get your brakes checked as soon as possible.
Also, ensure that your brake lights are fully functioning as they help give visual warning to vehicles behind you particularly in the case of sudden braking.
Concluding...
We hope that you find these safety tips useful. DapperDrive welcomes the monsoon, and all the fun it brings along with it. If you would like articles such as these to be delivered directly to your inbox, please Click Here to leave us with your name and e-mail address.
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