SLIPPERY WHEN WET
IT IS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN CONDITIONS BECOME TREACHEROUS. HERE’S HOW TO STAY SAFE
The monsoons are upon us. While the rain cools the summer temperatures, it can wreak havoc on your car. You have no control over the rains, but taking care of your car in the monsoons is in your hands. Modern cars are made up of thousands of components and any part can fail. Water, humidity and moisture spell can spell trouble for the car’s electrical system and metal ware. A breakdown at best could mean some discomfort, at worst it can create a hazardous situation. While a breakdown is far from welcome at any time of the year, the consequences of a minor fault can get magnified during the monsoons. A complete check-up and servicing at the onset of the season is highly advisable. Here’s a list of the top things to look out for if you want to keep your car out of trouble.
TYRE CONDITION
Tyres are the only point of contact with the road, hence, it’s important to make sure that the tyres are in good
conditions. The tyre tread helps in clearing water away from the road so that they have a better contact with the surface. So the depth of the tread must be good or else they might skid. The minimum depth is 2.5 mm of tread, but replace the tyres if they are old or worn out. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
CHECK THE BRAKES
Brake callipers are a crucial part of the car. You should regularly clean them to keep it dirt-free. Brakes should not be too tight or spongy. It’s a good idea to get the brakes serviced before the start of the monsoon season. If necessary, get the drums, discs and pads replaced so that they perform at their optimum best.
WIPER AND WASHER CONDITION
The windscreen wiper blades are important components of your car that should be in good condition. Ideally, one should replace the wiper blades every year before the monsoons begin. Ensure that the rubber is not hard and does not have cracks as it could scratch the windscreen. Also check if the wiper is working well at different speeds. Make sure the windshield washer bottle is filled up. You can add a mild detergent, which will keep the glass clean and oil-free. Check if the spray from the nozzles are directly hitting the windscreen.
CABIN CARE
During this period it’s normal for people to enter the car’s cabin with drenched clothes and wet shoes. This leads to moisture build-up inside the cabin, which leaves a foul, musty smell. The dirty rubber mats could turn into breeding grounds for fungus. Also, the wet soles of shoes become prone to slipping off the pedals, which can be dangerous. A layer of newspaper in the footwell of the car can be helpful in absorbing the moisture from your shoes and the mats. It will also prevent dirt from your shoes getting transferred on to the carpets or mats.
PROTECT THE CAR
Protect the car’s body from rain by using a good wax polish. This will protect the paint and improve beading of water molecules. Grease the door locks and components under the car such as gear linkage, propeller shaft, etc. To prevent rusting of the exposed underbody, get an anti-rust treatment done.
DRIVING IN STAGNANT WATER
Most people make the cardinal mistake of rushing through a stagnant pool of water. If you try to drive through a standing pool of water at high speed, it creates a bigger splash increasing the chances of water entering the engine through the air intake. This can cause serious damage to the engine resulting in hefty repair bills.
The sensible thing to do is follow the path taken by the car ahead as it will give you an idea of what lies ahead. The ideal way of wading through is to put the car in first gear and accelerate gently maintaining a constant speed. Allowing the revs to drop will result in water entering the exhaust. Attempt to cross only if the water level is six inches below the air inlet and the tailpipe. After crossing the watery patch, rev the engine a bit so that any water that might have entered the tailpipe gets expelled. If you feel water has entered the engine, switch off ignition instantly.
Brakes too lose bite when brake pads and shoes get wet. This happens because water acts as a lubricant, reducing the amount of bite. To dry the brakes look for an empty patch of road and brake hard to expel any water that might be trapped between the disc and brake pads. If you feel your car is aquaplaning, remember not to panic. Lift your foot off the throttle gently and press the brakes lightly.
Ensure you carry a warning triangle, a spare set of light bulbs, fuses, a tow rope and an umbrella. An umbrella might seem like an odd piece of kit, but it will be very handy in you need to step out of the car to fix any problems.
It’s no secret that the monsoons are a trying season for motorcyclists. Here’s how to survive and enjoy the assault of the rains on two wheels.
STOPPING TROUBLE
When it rains, water on the callipers makes the brakes lose their bite due to reduction in friction. To keep friction going, ensure that brake fluid is topped up and brake pads are in good condition. Tighten drum brakes to get better bite. Use water repellents like WD-40, which also protect metallic surfaces from rust. Don’t use rear brake as the primary brake. Using the front brake keeps the motorcycle stable while the rear brake, especially when it is wet, can cause motorcycle’s back end to slide.
TRACTION PROBLEM
When rain water, especially drizzle mixes with the dust on the road, the result is grime. It is dark, disgusting and slippery. One way to ensure a safe ride is to ensure your tyres are in good condition. Make sure that the treads on the tyre shoulder and the middle are 2-3 mm deep. Also, run with lower tyre pressure as it provides more contact patch for the tyre, increasing traction. The recommended pressure hovers around 29-34 psi. You can run up to 2-3 psi less to get maximum traction.
DON’T BE A DAREDEVIL
Always go 20-25 kmph slower than you normally would under dry conditions. In case of pouring rain, keep your headlights on as it makes you visible. If water levels are over two feet, get off motorcycle and navigate on foot. If you feel you can cross the area on the motorcycle, make sure you are in a lower gear and at a constant speed. If you stall in the middle and your tailpipe is submerged, do not crank the engine as it will get flooded resulting in a seized engine and a huge service bill.