The month of March heralds the end of the hot and dry season and marks the onset of the long rainy season that will start end March to May. As a vehicle owner you need to start preparing early enough to ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle these harsh conditions and by extension enhancing your security on the road. Below are five key rainy season car maintenance tips to ensure trouble-free driving in April.
Tires
It is important to note that one needs a set of new tires with enough grooves to channel out water on the contact patch, to avoid aquaplaning. Visit your local tire dealer, who will perform a tire depth safety test, which shouldn’t be 1.6mm at a bare minimum.
If the tread is lower then there’s a need to replace the tire. During this period most tire care centres do have discounted offers on tires, thus creating savings on your end.
Wiper Blades
Due to the excessively hot and dry conditions exhibited during the last few months, wiper blades tend to crack and are unable to wipe dry the windscreen. Visit your vehicle accessory centre where they will replace your wiper blades at affordable rates.
Remember driving in the rain requires adequate visibility, and rainwater poses a risk while driving, that’s why good wipers are required to keep the windscreen clean and dry.
Electricals
Ensure that all electrical issues are sorted in advance to prevent malfunction of certain critical systems like headlamps, ignition-battery systems just to mention but a few.
Ensure your battery is in good condition by checking electrolytic levels and adding deionized water, if it’s the regular lead acid type battery. If your vehicles are powered by a maintenance-free battery, use a battery charge meter to check the strength of the charge present.
Also ensure to clean the battery terminals to prevent rust, caused by the high levels of humidity during the rainy season. Exposed sensors should be cleaned with WD40 to prevent rust formation
Exhaust Systems
The wet and humid weather is a catalyst for rust to occur, especially to the exhaust system that is underneath the vehicle and is exposed to water and moisture. Let your local mechanic visually inspect the condition of the exhaust.
He will then advise accordingly whether to seal small holes or delete the worn-out section with a new pipe. A poorly functioning exhaust causes loss of power and high fuel consumption.
Air Conditioning
During the rainy season, one has to ensure that the air conditioning unit is fully functional, so as to ensure that the cabin retains pleasant ambient temperature for passengers while the windows are closed, as well us clear the front windscreen of mist, formed due to the temperature difference inside and outside of the car.
Ensure the refrigerant is full and there’s no leakage in the air-conditioning compressor, making the system to work effectively and efficiently.
Better safe than sorry. Do the above to save yourself from spending much more than anticipated on car repairs.