Monsoon checklist for your car

The first few rains may have already hit, but the monsoon is still on the way. And there's nothing more annoying than being caught out in the first rain of the monsoon. Here is a small monsoon preparedness check-list to help you out.

Windshield wipers and washer fluid
Now, this one may seem obvious, but a lot of people tend to ignore the wipers until they realise that they don't work. Usually, after the first rain. So, just give them a once over and see if they're still soft and supple, if not, time to replace them. Name brand blades do make a difference. As for the fluid, always keep it topped up, you never know what kind of muck might end up on your windshield.

Tyres and brakes
Another obvious one, but again often overlooked. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth. A simple way to measure this would be to use a Rs5 coin, if inserted into the tyre, the bottom half of the coin should not be visible. Keep air pressures in check as well. Slightly, and we do mean very, very slightly, underinflating the tyres ensures a larger contact patch which could help you out. As for brakes, make sure they're in good working order.

Lights and horn
In the heavy rains, low beams and fog lights are your best friends, along with the hazard/flashers. But for the people behind you, make sure your tail-lights are in good working order. Technically speaking, red light has the ability to cut through the thickest fog and rain, which will keep you from getting rear-ended in the rains. We generally don't recommend the use of the horn, but you never know when it might come in handy, like in a distress situation, for example. So, make sure that's in a good working order as well.

Engine maintenance
The rains generally mean traffic and with that comes long periods of idling and start-stop traffic. As cold and wet as it may be outside, it still makes sense to do a quick fluid check to keep the engine in good health.

Drive safer
Remember, at least for the first few rains, the roads are slipperier than ice, thanks to all the oil and grime on the roads that floats up after the rains, so cut speeds and keep a huge distance between you and the car in front of you. In a panic stop situation, it will be a lot easier to lock your wheels, so it's safer to keep that distance. Be especially careful on the paver blocks and concrete sections of the roads.

Emergency supplies
Keep a small bag of emergency supplies in the car at all times. Things like some un-perishable food, a blanket, a small hammer, powerful torch light with batteries, a small battery powered radio, a list of important numbers, in case your cellphone stops working, a piece of tarp if possible and the usual first aid kit as well. We hope you won't have to use any of that, but it's better to be prepared anyway.