Monsoon tips: Body Care
Apply a coat of wax polish just before rain, as rainwater is mildly acidic. Wax polish forms a thin layer on the paint and helps water roll off the body easily. Check all rubber beadings and drain lines. The latter is usually choked with dry leaves and twigs.
Quick Shifts: Check the brakes as braking distances increase in rain. Replace the brake pads if they are worn out. Also give the brake discs a thorough check up.
Monsoon tips: Interior 
Wet carpets and mats are a regular scene during the monsoon. This leads to bad odour and fungus in the car. Get a new set of fabric mats, which will help soak water faster than rubber mats. Use disinfectant to reduce foul smell by spraying it in the vents. Misting is another commonly faced issue. Fogging/Misting occurs due to difference of temperature in and outside the car. If the windscreen fogs up from the inside, switch on the air-conditioner and set it to ventilation mode. If the windscreen fogs from the outside, roll down the windows and switch on the heater directed towards the windscreen. The temperature inside and outside the car should be at par to avoid fogging. Cars with front and rear de-foggers can hit the switch and let it clear by itself.
Monsoon tips: Drive with Caution
Add a few minutes to your usual travel time and reduce the overall driving speed as compared to dry weather. Avoid switching lanes often and when you do so, please indicate the lane change. Avoid hitting puddles or stagnant water at high speeds; you never know what’s below the accumulated water. Use the horn at blind turns to make other vehicles, especially on-coming traffic aware of your presence. Carry a torch and mobile charger and make sure the phone is fully charged when you set off for a long journey. Don’t let the fuel level drop below half mark in the monsoons. The last thing you want is to run out of fuel while stuck in a jam. Avoid driving through flooded areas unless absolutely necessary. Don’t let the car stall, in case it does, avoid starting the car. Get the car towed to the nearest service center and get it checked.
Images credit: Respective owners
