It is said that the arrival of monsoon in India is in swing. Our cars need extra care during this season. Monsoon Let these car care tips be your guide, showing how to maintain the beauty of your car during monsoons Just as we protect ourselves from the rain with an umbrella, these car care tips will act as an umbrella for your beloved car, keeping it protected and shiny during monsoons.
How to Prepare Your Car for Monsoon
1. Clean and wax the exterior of your car
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Start with a thorough cleaning. Gently wash away the dirt, grime and residue from your previous travels.
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After you finish cleaning your car, do a thorough waxing to help remove water from the paint. This royal coat will protect your car’s paintwork and repel rainwater with ease.
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If you really want to take it all out, use a plastic dresser for parts like the cladding and wiper blades.
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Your car needs a protective coating of wax and/or polish to survive the monsoon season. Here’s a quick yet comprehensive guide to understanding the difference between car wax and polish.
2. Check and replace worn wiper blades
Your car’s wiper blades play an important role in ensuring clear visibility when you are driving in the rain. Worn wiper blades, like the Monday blues, hinder performance, leaving streaks and stains on your windshield, blocking out the beautiful rain-filled world outside. Follow these tips to properly maintain your car’s wiper blades
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Check your wiper blades for signs of wear and tear. If they feel weak or leave unwanted marks, it’s time to say goodbye and replace them with new blades. If you’re the DIY type who likes to take control of the situation, here’s a quick guide to help you replace your car’s windshield wipers.
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If your wiper blades leave streaks during use, it may be due to dirt. Use a mild detergent or glass cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the rubber blades. Harsh chemicals or abrasives can damage the blade. If you don’t plan to use your car for a few days, keep it in an upright position. This will protect the blades from damage.
3. Tire care
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During monsoons in India, your car’s tires play an important role in keeping you safe on rain-soaked roads. To ensure they perform well, it’s important to pay attention to two key areas: alignment and tire wear.
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It is very important to take care of the tire treads, there is no mud stuck on them, if there is mud hanging on the tire, the chances of skidding of the car will be high, which is very important to clean.
4. Testing and maintenance of brake system
As grip is reduced on wet surfaces, it is crucial to ensure that your car’s brakes are working properly during the monsoon season. Here’s how you can make sure you have enough stopping power
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Start by inspecting the brake pads to check for thickness and even wear. Worn pads, replace them if necessary.
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Check the brake oil levels and top them up if necessary. Brake oil plays an important role in transmitting power to the brakes, so maintaining the correct level is important for optimal performance.
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Carefully inspect the brake lines and rotors for any signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Damaged brake lines or worn rotors can significantly affect the performance of your brakes. Replace any defective components to ensure the integrity of the braking system.
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Regular testing and maintenance of your brake system will give you the confidence and peace of mind to drive safely on rain-soaked roads.
5. Inspect and clean headlights, taillights and indicators
To ensure safe driving during monsoons, it is important to pay attention to your car’s headlights, taillights and turn signals. These lights act as directional beacons, illuminating the road ahead and indicating your intentions to other drivers.
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Start by thoroughly inspecting the headlights for fogging, yellowing, or any signs of damage. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in contact with the elements, reducing their shine. To restore their shine, carefully clean the headlight lenses using a mild detergent or a special headlight cleaning solution. This will help remove dirt and improve the clarity of the lens, thereby ensuring a clear and powerful beam of light to illuminate your path in the rain.
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Similarly, tail lights play an important role in ensuring visibility for vehicles coming from behind. Check for any cracks, moisture buildup, or dullness that could compromise their effectiveness. If necessary, gently polish the taillight lens using a suitable automotive polish to remove any haze or imperfections. By increasing the visibility of your taillights, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that other drivers can see your vehicle in wet and low light.
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Finally, watch for indicators, which communicate your intentions to fellow drivers on the road. Check clarity and functionality by activating the indicators and visually verifying that they are working properly. If the lenses appear dirty or foggy, clean them thoroughly to ensure they are easily visible to others. Maintaining clear and functional indicators for safe lane changes, turns and maneuvers is vital so you can confidently navigate rainy roads and communicate effectively with those around you.
6. Inspect and replace damaged or cracked windshields
Your car’s windshield is a shield against the onslaught of rain during monsoons. To ensure clear visibility and an unobstructed view of the stunning surroundings, it is essential to inspect and repair any damage.
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Look closely at the windshield for cracks, chips, or scratches that may obstruct your view. Even small mistakes can spoil the beauty of monsoons and compromise your safety. If you notice any defects, it is recommended to replace or repair them immediately, to restore the windshield to its original condition.
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Over time, dust, cleaning and exposure to the elements will cause microscopic scratches to form on your windshield. These scratches can dramatically reduce visibility at night, especially when it’s raining. Most of these scratches can be dealt with with a good glass polish, however, if the damage is excessive, you may need to replace your windshield.
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A flawless windshield not only ensures your safety on the road but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the charm of monsoons.
7. Inspect and clean battery terminals
The battery plays an important role in ensuring the harmonious functioning of the various mechanical components of your vehicle. To maintain its optimal performance, it is important to regularly inspect and clean its terminals.
9. Check engine oil
Check the engine oil level regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions if necessary. Consider changing the oil when necessary, as fresh oil helps lubricate the engine more efficiently. If you’re still not convinced about the importance of timely engine oil changes, here’s a quick question. And while you’re at it, here’s what you need to know about different engine oil grades.
10. Maintenance of suspension and steering
suspension system Inspect suspension components including shocks, struts and springs for signs of wear, leaks or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure optimal suspension performance. Here’s how to tell when a car’s suspension system needs repair.
Power steering Check oil level and top up if necessary. Inspect the steering linkage, tie rod and ball joints for any signs of wear or looseness. Replace or repair them as needed to maintain precise steering response.
