Like any device, proper car maintenance and care will increase the longevity of your car. It is especially important in Sri Lanka, as we have monsoon rains. At the time of writing, it has been raining nonstop. But we have places to go, people to meet, and fuel to secure.
Heavy rain is not the ideal climate to drive in. And the problem is that you can’t always take your car to the mechanic for a car service centre. That is why we have piled up a list of car safety tips you should know to keep your car well-maintained.
Car Maintenance Tips For The Rainy Season In Sri Lanka
- Clean your car windows and windshield regularly during the rainy season
Why bother washing your car, windshield or windows during rain? The rain will wash the dirt on your vehicle. Right?
Well, that may be true for bird poop, but otherwise, this assumption is troublesome.
Rainwater is not pure. The impure particles will become deposits on your windshield and mirror when the wetness dries out. If you don’t clean it thoroughly, it could be detrimental to your road vision.
Therefore, it is better to take time and clean it thoroughly after driving in the rain. Use water to wash and make use of car wash liquid. Or just wipe off the rainwater after parking your car in your garage. Another option is to apply hydrophobic wax to your car, as it will prevent raindrops and dirt from sticking to your car.
- Check your car lights before driving in the rain
The monsoon season could be a little problematic for your headlight. Any trapped moist air will heat up when the headlight is on and cool down when it is off. Because of this, there will be condensation on the interior of the headlight and dim its brightness. Normally, this happens due to blockages in the housing vents in the headlight.
Therefore it is better to check if your lights have enough brightness. Check if the vents are dirty or broken and get them fixed. This includes
brake lights, headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, tail lights, indicators, etc.
- Check your car battery
Car batteries work twice as usual during the rain. Here are two reasons that fuel this high usage:
- Extra usage for lights and air conditioning
- Low temperature or cold weather reduces battery capacity
- Slow traffic flow during rainfall affects engine revolutions which are required to charge the battery
Generally, car batteries need to be replaced after three to four years of use. But it may not always be the case in a country like Sri Lanka, where there is regular rainfall. Therefore it is better to check if the battery is working properly before heading out.
Here are a few signs that could mean you should
replace your car battery.
- Check if your car brakes are on point
Car brakes are one of the most important mechanical devices in a vehicle. They can save lives and therefore need to be at their best.
Water is a slippery molecule and is known to reduce friction. In this case, water on the road can reduce the friction between the tyres-brakes and the tyres-road. Without enough friction, your car brakes won’t be efficient enough for a drive.
How to know if your
brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced:
- Slow-done time is longer than usual even on dry roads
- If you feel you have less control of the brake
- Screeching sounds and heavy vibrations when you step on the brakes
- If the brake pad thickness is less than 2.54cm (talk to your dealer to know the exact number for your pad)
- Proper Tyre Maintenance
Even if your brakes are perfect, it wouldn’t matter if your tyres aren’t good.
If you drive a lot during the dry seasons too, your tyres could experience a lot of wear and tear. As a result, when the road is slippery during rainy seasons, your tires will fail to provide enough friction for the car to cling to the road.
To know if you need a
tyre replacement, you can touch and feel the texture of the rubber. You can also check the tires’ wear indicator bar.
- Interior care is critical during the rainy season in Sri Lanka
The first five car maintenance tips for the monsoon season are mainly about the exterior of a car. Even the interior can get wet during rain, and create a bad smell, affecting your driving experience. Sometimes, even mildew can form on the windshield, again disturbing your vision.
Here’s how you can take care of your car’s interior by reducing wetness during rainy days.
- Place replaceable materials like a newspaper on the carpets so they absorb water and mud from your shoes.
- Vacuum or wipe the seats to remove any water that latched onto them.
- Use an air freshener for a better smell
Conclusion:
Whether it is during the dry or rainy season, maintaining your vehicle is non-negotiable. It allows you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Moreover, it helps you maintain the value of the car. Proper car maintenance will enhance its life and retains quality. So that when you want to
sell your car and
buy a new car, you can make the case for a well-looked-after vehicle.
