Things to check on your car during the monsoon season in Nepal
Monsoon rains in Nepal provide relief from the summer heat, but they also make driving difficult. Every year, most cities' roads become waterlogged due to poor drainage systems, causing significant damage to vehicles. You can't control the weather or the roads, but you can reduce the risks your vehicle faces.
Check out the list below for some tips on how to ensure a safe ride during the monsoons while saving money on costly repairs.
Tires
Hydroplaning is one of the most common problems encountered during the rainy season. Car tires have grooves to keep the vehicle on the road while also channeling water away from the contact patch. When a car's tires wear out, they can't channel enough water away, and the contact patch lifts for a brief moment. This causes the car to spin or lose control, a condition known as hydroplaning. To avoid this and causing an accident, replace your car's worn out tires and keep them inflated to the recommended pressure before the rains begin.
Windshield
Driving in the rain can impair visibility because raindrops smear across the windshield. This can be avoided by using water-repellent products on the windshield, which cause water droplets to roll off and not obstruct your vision. After a rainstorm, the water evaporates, leaving behind mineral residue that can attract dirt and impair your vision while driving. As a result, it is critical that you clean your windshield immediately after driving in the rain.
Wipers
When it rains, one of the most important components of a car is its windshield wipers. Windshield wipers should ideally be replaced once a year due to the amount of wear and tear they endure, which can cause them to become dry, cracked, and brittle. They can leave streaks across the windshield and impair your vision if not replaced on a regular basis. When replacing your wipers, make sure you get the correct length for your car's make and model, as well as the proper connector clips.
Lights
Headlights and taillights are important not only for lighting your path, but also for alerting other drivers to your location. This is especially important when it is raining because visibility issues can impair the vision of drivers on the road, increasing the likelihood of a crash. As a result, it is critical that you check your car's lights before leaving the house.
Braking System
When the monsoons arrive, one of the major components of your car that suffers is its braking system. As a result, they must be properly cared for in order to avoid any risks while driving. Because damp brakes become less effective, you should get the car out of the water as soon as possible. If your brakes have become damp, you can dry them out by slowly accelerating while applying the brakes. If the problem persists, you should contact a professional immediately.
Exterior
Many people may believe that washing a car during the rainy season is pointless because the rain has already washed away all the dirt. However, many people may be surprised to learn that rain water has little effect on the durability of a car. When your car dries after a rain, acidic deposits are frequently left behind, which eat away at exposed areas such as the paint. Washing your car with solvent-free cleaning products or even plain water can significantly reduce acidity. You should also wax your car for added protection because it helps water droplets roll off the body of the car.
