The torrents are here and we bet you’re looking forward to those long driveways. Turns out, your car requires a little more consideration, especially during the monsoon season. So while you add new raincoats and windcheaters to your wardrobe, here are a few things you can do to make sure your car is ready for the monsoons as well

Brakes

Brakes are a part of your car that you simply cannot neglect particularly during the monsoon season. Take a good look at your brake pads and brake fluid. To test them, fire up the engine and allow your car to be idle for a while before pressing down on the brake pedal. If you notice that the pedal proceeds to sink, there may be a leak while if you encounter a judder, it may mean that your brake pads have worn out. At the same time, take note of the colour of your brake fluid. An indicator of bad brake fluid is if it turns brown. In that case, you will need to replace it. Well, lubricated brakes will increase stopping distance which is much needed especially on wet, slippery roads. To be absolutely sure of your car’s braking system, have a professional take a look at it.

Wiper blades

Perceptibility is the key while driving in the monsoon season. It is very essential to check if your wipers are in the best condition before it begins to rain. Why? Because even though you may not use your wipers all through the year, it is unmanageable to drive without them while it’s raining. Even if it isn’t raining, you require your wipers in case of windscreen fogging. So, make it a habit to replace them every year before the monsoons. You can even test them out before the monsoon arrives to be completely sure.

Headlamps

When it pours densely, it is normal for you to find it challenging to see clearly. This is actually why your headlamps should be in the top configuration as it ensures better visibility. Scrubbing your reflectors with white toothpaste is an easy way to keep them clean. Apply toothpaste on the covers and scrub in a circular motion. Once the entire surface is covered, use a wet cloth to wipe the toothpaste off. Besides cleaning the outer cover of the headlamp, remember to check the bulbs and replace them if need be. You can repeat the same method for your taillights as they too are equally important and will serve as indicators to the driver behind you.

Tyres

At the beginning of the monsoon season turn your attention to your tyres. As a part of their basic maintenance, have them inflated regularly. Also assure that they are aligned, as bumpy roads and potholes can throw the alignment off. Another aspect to look into is the treads on your tyres. As the roads are wet, the treads of your tyres allow a firm grip that prevents your car from skidding on wet surfaces. One way of knowing if your tyre needs to be replaced is inspecting your tyre’s tread indicator which is a small rubber bar between the grooves on a tyre. The thickness of the indicator will tell you if you have to replace the tyre or not. Just for precautionary measures, ensure that you carry a spare tyre wherever you go.