Monsoon is here! And, while you might stay safe inside, your vehicle is going to be facing the rains directly. Your vehicle needs around care while you to be safe during monsoons. The condition of the car can help you get a better resale value and therefore lower car insurance premiums. But, the usual maintenance routine won't do much for your car in monsoons. Especially, if you're planning long drives or commutes on water-clogged roads, be extra vigilant of your car's condition.
Prevent mechanical breakdown within the monsoons simply with these 8 point check-list
-
Oil
The recommended interval for changing oil is generally after every 4,800 Kms. To be on a safer side, use the dip-stick to check the level and shade of oil, that ought to be a pleasant shade of amber.
-
Air Conditioning
Weak air-conditioning system won't be able to handle tough rains. Give you it checked with a mechanic. Monsoons means more dirt, be sure to get the filters cleaned
-
Cooling System
We would recommend so that it is checked, flushed and refilled by a professional every 24 months. Air-conditioning fogs in the windshield whenever there's a high temperature difference in the vehicle cabin and the atmosphere outside.
-
Engine
Engine filters such as the fuel, PCV, etc. too need to be cleaned or replaced as required. Look into the user's manual based on how often these filters need to be cleaned.
-
Tyres
Tyres ought to be your foremost concern for safety as there are chance of skidding throughout the monsoons. Get your tyres checked and rotated on time, usually every 5,000 miles. The tyre inflation ought to be checked every time you refill the fuel. Other aspects you should think about for tyre-safety could be tread life, uneven wearing and tearing, cupping, and alignment.
-
All Fluids
We've covered oil, but there are other fluids such as the coolant, automatic transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, brake fluid, that need to be checked.
Most important throughout the monsoons are the brake fluids. They play an essential role in the wear and tear of the brakes and tyres. Degradation of the brake fluid might result into complete brake failure. Possess the brake fluid changed once every 2-3 years.
Not every cars are equipped with automatic transmission, but when yours is check the owner's manual to on how to look into the Automatic Transmission Fluid levels. It may be hard to check the transmission fluid if it is manual. You can have it checked or if you are a DIY enthusiast, you are able to crawl under the car and look for yourself by removing the fill plug.
For optimum performance, the coolant ought to be changed at least once annually.
You should fill up the power -steering fluid which is often overlooked within the regular servicing. -
Windshield Wipers
If you are using exactly the same wipers for the past 12 months, get them changed. A dirty windshield poses a security hazard during monsoons. Keep enough windshield washer solvent As they say, wipers are cheap insurance.
-
Paint
Rainwater affects car paint adversely. A great session of washing and waxing is going to do much good for your paint to survive monsoons. During monsoons, whenever you can, park the vehicle within roof.
There are other little things you have to pay attention to. Look at your lights and obtain the minor repairs done. Always remember a car emergency-kit.
Let's face the facts: the last thing you'd want is really a car breakdown on water-clogged roads. These precautions will save you in the distress of monsoon breakdowns.
