The monsoon brings welcome relief from the heat, along with flooded underpasses, hidden potholes and reduced visibility. Preparing your car before the rains and adjusting how you drive can make the season far safer and spare you expensive repairs.
Before the rains: a pre-monsoon check
- Tyres: ensure adequate tread depth and correct pressure. Worn tyres lose grip quickly on wet roads and increase the risk of aquaplaning.
- Wiper blades: replace blades that streak, chatter or have hardened in summer heat.
- Lights: check headlights, tail lights, indicators and fog lamps. Clean lenses improve visibility.
- Brakes: have pads and fluid inspected, since wet conditions demand reliable braking.
- Battery and electricals: look for corroded terminals and damaged wiring.
- Door and boot seals: check rubber beading for cracks that let water in.
- Drain holes: clear leaves from areas around the windscreen and sunroof.
Driving in heavy rain
- Slow down and increase following distance; stopping distances are longer on wet roads.
- Switch on headlights in low visibility, but avoid high beams in heavy rain as they reflect off water.
- Avoid sudden braking, accelerating or sharp steering.
- Use the AC or demister to clear fogged windows.
- Stay in tracks left by vehicles ahead, where water may be shallower.
Aquaplaning
At speed, a layer of water can build up between tyres and the road, making the car lose grip. If the steering suddenly feels light, ease off the accelerator gently, keep the wheel straight and avoid braking hard until the tyres regain contact.
Waterlogged roads
Driving through deep water is one of the biggest monsoon risks. If water enters the engine through the air intake, it can cause severe damage known as hydrolock.
- If you cannot judge the depth, do not drive through it. Find another route.
- If you must cross shallow water, drive slowly in a low gear at steady revs, without stopping.
- Avoid creating a bow wave that pushes water into the engine bay or other vehicles.
- If your car stalls in deep water, do not try to restart it. Move to safety and call for assistance.
After crossing water, press the brakes gently a few times to dry them.
Parking in the monsoon
Avoid parking under weak trees, near open drains or in low-lying areas that flood. In basements prone to flooding, consider moving the car to higher ground during heavy rain warnings.
Insurance considerations
Standard comprehensive policies may not fully cover engine damage caused by water ingress. Some insurers offer add-ons that protect against this. Review your policy and consider whether such an add-on suits where you live and drive.
After the season
Once the rains ease, wash the underbody to remove mud and debris, check for rust, dry out damp floor mats and look for musty smells that suggest trapped moisture. Have brakes and suspension inspected after weeks of potholed roads.
Emergency kit
Keep a torch, umbrella, towel, first-aid kit, phone charger, reflective triangle and roadside assistance number in the car throughout the season.
Visibility habits
Keep the windscreen clean inside and out, since a film of dirt on the inside worsens fogging. Use a rain-repellent treatment on the windscreen if you find it helpful, keep side mirrors clear, and switch on hazard lights only when stationary or in an emergency, not while driving in rain, as it can confuse other drivers.
Wrapping up
Check tyres, wipers, lights, brakes and seals before the monsoon, drive slower and smoother, avoid deep water, park thoughtfully and review your insurance cover. A little preparation makes the rainy season much less stressful.
