Keep an umbrella

One of the most important accessories for your car during the monsoons is an umbrella. People who are soaked in the rain will leave moisture on the seats and carpets which, once they absorb water must be dried quickly lest they start to smell.

An umbrella will keep occupants dry during ingress/egress. Keep a plastic bag handy to store the wet umbrella in.

Clean windscreen

Dirty windshields are common during the monsoons. Take care to remove dirt from the windshield before using the wiper lest it leaves scratches on the glass. A bottle of water and cloth comes in handy. Pour water on the windshield and wipe it clean with the cloth. Use the wipers to clear up the glass.

Tow rope and shovel

A tow rope will be useful if you are stuck in the mud and need to be towed out. A shovel will be needed to loosen the muck around the tyres and gain traction to extricate yourself.

Medical kit, food and water

A medical kit can come handy for bruises and first aid when required.

If you're stuck in a traffic jam for hours, biscuits and power bars will quench the pangs of hunger.

Phone charger

A phone charger will help when you're stuck in a traffic jam to ensure that your mobile phone will not run out of charge.

Newspaper and flashlight

Keep reading material to while away the time when stuck in a traffic jam. The newspaper can also be placed over the foot mats to soak water from wet footwear.

A flashlight will help when you're stuck somewhere in the dark and need to change a tyre etc.

Rains bring with them the twin hazards of skidding and aquaplaning. It can be a scary situation to be caught in either of them and can spell disaster if reacted to in an instinctive manner.

A skid usually occurs when there's a loss of traction due to hard braking on a slippery road or when you're taking a sharp turn at high speeds., on the other hand, occurs when water builds up in front of your car's tyres with such pressure that your car loses contact with the road, rises up and slides, or rather floats, over a thin layer of water between the tyres and the surface. It can occur at any speeds andndash; even 50kph andndash; though at higher speeds, the danger rises exponentially. During aquaplaning, you may even lose steering ability briefly as the tyres are unable to draw any traction from the road.

While skidding and aquaplaning are not inevitable, here are some precautions to prevent them:

1. Tyre Check: Bald or worn-out tyres are more susceptible to hydroplaning. Ensure they have sufficient tread depth. You can check the tread depth by taking this simple. Also, keep tyres inflated with the correct air pressure.

2. Go Slow: The faster you go, the more difficult it gets for tyres to expel water from under them. When the roads are wet, drive slowly and carefully, especially on curves.

3. Water Alert: Avoid driving through puddles and waterlogged roads and stay in the middle lane as water tends to pool in the outer lanes.

Alright, so you may have followed all the precautions, but what must you do in case your car still skids or aquaplanes?

1. While your instinct would be to slam the brakes, stay calm and refrain from hard braking. If your car has antilock braking system or ABS, then brake normally. Pump the brakes with gentle thrusts and steer the car into the direction you want it to go.

2. Do not accelerate either. Gently lift your foot off the gas pedal to slow down the car until it regains traction.

3. During aquaplaning, your car might start swaying sideways over the water. Try steering the car in the direction you want it to go (though it's possible you may not have any steering control at all) until your tyres reconnect with the surface.

The modern car is well engineered but it is adversely affected by the elements. Here are some guidelines on how to protect your car from the rain.

Preventive measures

Give your car a coat of wax before the rainy season starts. This will protect the car by not allowing the water to come in contact with paint and will prevent rust formation by filling up scratches if any on the body panels.

Cover your car if it is parked outside. Waterproof covers will keep the water away and the porous fabric will let the humid air inside to escape, keeping the car dry.

Keep the car clean as rain water contains contaminants that affect the paint. When the water evaporates the contaminants will leave dirty patches, which can damage the paint. Clean the underbody and body panels splattered with mud as contaminants in the mud cause metals to rust.

Protective accessories

Car cover

A car cover will protect the car from getting wet and stop spot formation when the water evaporates besides protecting it from small debris scratching it.

Rain guards/window visors

Rain guards/window visors work like the eyeshade of a cap. Visors fit on to the top of the window sills and protrude outwards. With window visors you can open the window without wind/rain coming into the cabin. This also helps prevent mist formation. Visors also provides shade and stops wind from blowing into the cabin.

Bug deflector

A bug deflector is a strip installed on the hood of a car to stop bugs and projectiles from hitting the windshield by changing the way air flows over it. This accessory is usually installed on vehicles whose windshields are not very rakish and are vulnerable to debris like bugs, tar/water droplets and pebbles. It can be installed on SUVs, utility vehicles and cars with a 'tall-boy' design. It's not recommended for aerodynamically efficient cars unless recommended by the manufacturer as fuel efficiency and handling can be affected.

Braking has to be one of the most important aspects in driving. In fact more than how quickly your car accelerates, its more important how quickly it decelerates. And now as the modern engines get more powerful, it makes braking one of the most important bit about your car. ABS or anti lock braking system is pretty much standard on all cars these days. An ABS generally offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces for many drivers; however, on loose surfaces like gravel or snow-covered pavement, an ABS can significantly increase braking distance, although still improving vehicle control.

Using ABS is very different than using conventional brakes. If you're braking normally for stop signs, red lights or vehicles slowing ahead of you in ABS equipped vehicles, the ABS system will not activate. Early braking is always best in any situation, but if you need to brake quickly and suddenly, ABS will activate.

Knowing the pros and cons is important before using these brakes. For example, ABS has two benefits for the driver; it may help the driver stop quicker under wet or slippery conditions, and of course normal road conditions. The added plus is that it can also allow the driver to brake and steer at the same time. Without ABS, the wheels would just lock up making it impossible to control the car and thereby creating a disaster. All in all ABS can pretty much turn out to be a life saver especially in the monsoons when road conditions are extremely tricky. So the next time you head out to buy a car do not ignore the option of ABS, it can pretty much turn out to be the one thing that stands between life and death.

Windscreen/window fogging is not a huge problem but it needs to be addressed as it hinders the driver's vision. Visibility is already low during heavy downpours and mist on the front and rear windshields only aggravate the problem. Needless to say, driving in such conditions compromises safety.

Fogging occurs due to the difference in the temperatures outside and inside the car. With the air-conditioner on full blast the temperature inside the car is much lower than on the outside, which results in the windscreen/windows fogging up from the outside. Without the air-con, the temperature outside is lower, causing fogging on the inside.

If your windscreen fogs up from the inside, switch the air-conditioner on to the ventilation mode until the fogging clears up. For windscreen fogging on the outside, use the wipers to get rid of the mist or roll down the windows to balance the temperature and switch on the heater and put it on the windshield mode.

The key is to regulate the temperature inside so it is on par with the temperature outside. High end sedans have front as well as rear push-button defoggers but for cars without, it has to be done manually.

To clear fogged-up windows, roll down and roll up the windows, and the rubber strip at the bottom of the windows will clear the fog. Or use micro-fibre cloth to wipe the fog off the glass.

Speeding your car through a puddle of water might bring back memories from your bicycle days, but it comes with the risk of causing serious damage to your car. Collected water on the road needs to be treated with respect, especially keeping in mind that we don't know what's lurking underneath it. For all you know, there could be a deep pothole or even an open manhole. Driving through such surprises can cause to you lose control of your car. It is best to stay in the centre lane, as water tends to pool on the outer lanes.

If the water is deep enough to submerge your exhaust pipe, consider taking an alternative route. Attempting to wade through deep water can ruin the electrical systems. Driving through waterlogged roads gets trickier at night as gauging the depth of the water becomes difficult. On such occasions, check the level of the water against dividers, trees, pavements before going ahead.

In the event you do have to drive through flooded streets, what should you do? To begin with do not panic. Keep your foot on the gas, and continue driving slowly, maintaining a constant speed. As you drive through the water, keep the throttle pedal pressed at all times, even when you need to shift gears or regulate your speed with the clutch, otherwise the water in your exhaust could stall the engine. In case you car stalls in deep water, do not open prop the bonnet to avoid further entrance of water. In the interim, call for someone who can have another vehicle tow you out with a rope or a cable winch.

Most modern cars' air intakes are low down at the front, and speeding your car over puddles can cause hydrostatic lock as water enters the engine causing it to seize. As much fun as it seems, resist the temptation to ploughing through flooded roads.

Although these tips should help you tackle waterlogged roads, it is advisable to take a detour to avert being stalled or stuck.

It is that time of the year when the heavens open up and everything turns green. With the arrival of the monsoons though also comes the advent of clear and present danger on the road that could in fact be staring you in your face and you won't even notice Here are a few simple things to take a look at even before you start driving to keep motoring safe and enjoy the rains to the fullest.

It is worthwhile checking the essentials on a car to make it rain-worthy.

1. Tyres: First and foremost, tyres must be in good shape with enough tread depth. The tread pattern on your tyres is the single most important thing in the rains that can keep you safely on the roads. Water on the tarmac gets expelled from under the tyres through the treads and prevents aquaplaning. Make sure your treads are deep enough by simply using a coin and checking if the depth is within safe limits andndash; usually 3-5mm.

2. Washer Wiper: Wipers have to be of good quality. Between two monsoons, wiper blades become hard and get coated with traffic film from oily fumes and dust from road. The windscreen itself may be oily due to traffic film. The later two can be cleaned with soap solution. Lastly, check whether the wash wipe system is in working order. Do not forget to put two teaspoonful of liquid detergent in washer fluid. Once you are convinced that the wash wipe system is okay, do have a working trial.

3. Lights: The lights which seem okay in scanner may be inadequate in monsoon because wet roads absorb light and visibility suffers to a great extent. Lighting must be checked for brightness and correct pattern. Always use good quality bulbs. If inherently the lights are bad, do have auxiliary lights fitted andndash; yellow lights give a better contrast. Fog lights cover only the kerbs and not distant objects.

4. Mud Flaps: When you're driving, what you leave behind your car is as essential as what you're driving into. No one likes driving behind a car that is spraying a lot of muddy water and, more importantly, that can be quite dangerous as well. Make sure you fit mud flaps on all four wheels before you start off. After all, driving safely also means driving responsibly.

Keep those windows up

Do not drive with the windows down when it rains as water will seep on to the seats and carpet and damp carpet will develop fungus if not dried quickly. Use a vacuum cleaner and leave the doors and windows open for a while. If too much water has soaked in take the vehicle to the dealership to be dried. If need be, remove the carpet and dry it. The plastic on door pads also ages faster when it gets wet as does fabric door trim. Rain water can cause a short circuit when the power window switches are operated.

Use the demister and air-conditoning

Turn on the air-conditioning and set it on fresh air setting if the interiors mist up. Set the HVAC control to direct air to the windshield and side windows to quickly get rid of the mist. Vehicles equipped with a demister have the advantage of using heat coils integrated into the rear windshield that remove mist in a jiffy.

Use fabric floor mats with rubber mats underneath

Wet footwear can dampen the carpet. Protect the carpet with rubber mats and fabric mats over them. Fabric mats absorb water easily and keeps the carpet dry. They also do prevent mud from slipping on to the carpet. Rubber mats prevent the carpet from getting wet in case the fabric ones get soaked.

Remove the fabric and rubber mats and let them dry outside so that they do not stink up the insides. Dust them off them before reuse.

Use umbrella

Use an umbrella while getting in and out of the car To prevent wet clothes from dampening the seats or seat covers. Keep wet umbrella in a plastic bag so it does not wet the seats or carpet.

Check the wipers

It will be impossible for the driver to see what's ahead if the windshield wipers of the car are not working. Wiper blades wear out with use, and when the rubber liner gets hard, It will fail to clear the windshield completely, leaving you with a smudgy vision. Also hard rubber can leave scratches on the windshield. Replace or repair wipers before the onset of the monsoons.

Tyre care

When the roads are wet, water between the road surface and tyre can cause aquaplaning. Tyres with adequate tread negate chances of aquaplaning. Therefore, replace tyres with worn out treads. In case the front tyres are more worn out than the rear ones (a common occurrence on vehicle with power steering) get the tyres rotated so that the tyres with more grip are at the front. This will help the vehicle gain more traction on slippery road surfaces.

Brakes' use

Avoid speeding in the wet to avert aquaplaning. Braking takes longer on wet road surfaces. Do not jam the brakes as it will cause the wheels to slip and skid even with Anti-lock Braking System. Brake smoothly and gradually. If your car is not equipped with ABS use the brake pedal till you feel the wheels locking up reduce braking effort at the time to prevent the vehicle from skidding. Use a high pressure water spray to clear mud from the brake discs. If your brakes have become less effective get the brake pads replaced before the monsoons begin.

Clean up

Wash the muck off your vehicle regularly during the monsoons and use high pressure hose to spray off mud from the wheel arches, the lower sections of the front apron, firewall and underbody to prevent rust formation.

Apply wax polish to prevent scratches while cleaning dried mud off the vehicle. Teflon coating will protect the paint from fading and bird droppings.

Change rubber beadings

When the rubber beadings the doors, bonnet, bootlid and sunroof become dry and hard there are chances of water seeping into the passenger cabin and engine bay. Replace them to prevent water seeping into the passenger cabin or to the electrical components under the bonnet.

Cover up

If you park your vehicle in the open use a cover to protect it from rain and dust.

The monsoons mean muddy shoes, wet seats and floors that cause a mouldy odour inside your car. Here are some tips to prevent/remove the odour.

Prevention

Keep your car interior clean and dry. That's the first and easiest preventive measure to keep odour at bay. Ideally, internal cleaning should be practiced as a daily chore.

Make sure your windows and doors are shut properly when you drive and when you park the car.

Switch the a/c off and let the engine run for some time before you switch it off. This helps the condenser switch off normally and lets the air in the pipes reach the ambient temperature, which stops microbes from exploiting the cool temperature. Use the heater, if the a/c is equipped with it, for about a minute or so to make sure the system is dried properly.

Make sure there are no leakages as water that seeps in is soaked by the carpet which becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Replace old and worn rubber floor seals as they can let in water. Make sure the rubber seals along the doors and windows are in place. Also, ensure there are no leakages into the car from anywhere. This has to be done before the monsoon starts.

It may be a good idea to put a container of desiccating agent like silica gel inside the car. You can also buy a sheet of thick rough absorbent paper from the market, cut it into pieces and place it over your foot mats. This will absorb all the water that comes in from your shoes. The paper can later be replaced.

Removing the odour

Dry wet seats, carpets and upholstery immediately to prevent bacteria and fungi growth. Use newspapers to soak up moisture. Remove wet carpets and seats and air them. Use a hair-dryer to dry wet spots. Use absorbent materials to soak up moisture.

Use a commercial odour absorber or enzyme cleaner if odour remains. Clean air conditioner vents with a cotton swab dipped in window cleaner. To remove mildew from your air- conditioning system, run the heater full blast for 10 minutes with the windows open.

If that doesn't work, use an odour neutralising spray; Switch the car on, switch the air-conditioner on and set it on 'fresh air' mode which lets in air from the a/c intake fan. After a minute or so turn the heater on and repeat the process.

Light art

Running with the headlights or fog lights on in rainy conditions makes your car more visible to oncoming traffic, while the tail lights will help those behind you spot your car in the spray from your rear tyres. The more easily others can see you, the safer you'll be.

See through

Keep your windshield washer fluid topped up during rains and use soap water preferably, as it'll do a better job of clearing muck which gets on to the windshield from the spray thrown up by the tyres of the vehicle in front of you.

Easy Steer

With the lack of traction that wet roads offer, it is very important to keep your steering inputs smooth. Any sudden attempt to change direction will lead to massive lateral weight transfer, causing the tyres to lose grip, and your car can easily spin out

of control.

Brake Dance

Just like steering input, your brake input needs to be just as smooth on wet roads. Don't slam on the brakes, instead give short, but firm, presses to the brake pedal. Also, start braking much earlier than you would in dry conditions.

Spray fray

When driving in the rain, the biggest enemy of visibilty, more than the rain itself, is the spray from the vehicle ahead of you. To maintain decent visibilty in such conditions, maintain a longer distance from the vehicle ahead of you than you normally would. Take it easy and don't drive at the same speed you would in the dry. You'll also have to be more aware of what the vehicle in front of you is upto, as wet roads mean larger braking distances.

Puddle muddle

While splashing through puddles in one's car might seem the most fun thing to do, it is in fact quite dangerous. Hitting the water at high speeds can cause the wheels to slow down suddenly and unevenly, upsetting the car, which could even send it spinning. And then there's the off chance that the puddle you're about to go through hides a nasty pothole.

Scheduled Checks:
Routine servicing and check-ups of the bike should be done before riding in the monsoon. Life can become very difficult in case your bike stalls in heavy rains. As far as the engine is concerned, there isn't much you need to check if you have had your timely scheduled servicing.

Brakes:
The brakes of the bike should be top notch. Since you cannot brake hard or suddenly on wet roads it is all the more important to have your brakes in good condition. For this reason, running your bike on old worn out pads or liners, or a brake that is not very effective can lead to disaster. Make sure to get your liners, discs and the inside of your drum brakes cleaned before monsoon starts. Also verify if the level of the brake oil is as per requirement.

Check for the depth of your threads with by inserting a one-rupee coin

Tyres:
Keeping your tyres in shape is very important during monsoons. If the rubber is worn off, make sure to replace the tyres before you ride in the rains. The treads of the tyres do the job of dispersing standing water and in the process provide grip. The treads need to be deep not just in the centre portion of the tyre, but also on the sides. To test the depth of the grooves, you can insert a one-rupee coin into the grooves. A minimum of 2-3mm of tread depth is necessary for the tyres to provide a fair amount of grip on wet roads. Anything below that, and it might warrant changing the tyres. Tyre pressure can also make a huge difference in the grip you get. Ideally you should set your tyre pressure a couple of psi below the levels required in the dry. Check for tyre pressure regularly to ensure it is at optimal levels.

Avoid parking under a tree, you never know when a branch might fall off,
especially in this season

Parking:
Even when you halt for a break, as far as possible make sure you park the bike under a shed. Avoid parking your bike under the shade of a tree as there is always a risk of a branch falling on your bike. When not on a ride keep your bike covered at all times to protect it from the rain. In fact you should even clean your bike and remove the muck off the engine once you back from the ride, as dry muck can be a huge hindrance for the cooling process of the engine. The rains tend to bring a lot of pebbles and gravel on to the road surface, which are kicked up by the tyres. So it becomes necessary to check the oil chamber and engine casing for damage after the ride.

Rider:
During a monsoon ride, not only is it important for the bike to be in good condition, the rider should be equally fit and fine as well. Always wear protective gear. A completely drenched and cold rider may suffer from a momentary lapse in concentration which can be just enough to cause a calamity. A waterproof jacket and gloves are a must, apart from a helmet and knee pads. It is not just the bike which has to be in good shape but also a rider.

Statistics reveal maximum numbers of accidents occur during the monsoon. Riding in the monsoon can be extremely fun as long as you know the tricks of the trade. The first rains bring along with it the beautiful smell of wet and fresh mud, something that we all love. But along with this boon comes a bane. Throughout the year, any form of oil or coolant which has leaked on the road is soaked in by the road. This oil surfaces in the first rains making even the best of roads slippery and risky. It is advisable not to go fast or probably even halt for a cup of tea if you can at such times.

Maximum of accidents occur during the monsoon season. Keeping safe distance is very important

Secondly, the visibility during a downpour is reduced by a massive margin not just owing to the drops of water falling on your visor but also sometimes due to fog. When put in a same scenario on wet roads versus dry, one needs much more time to react on a wet rainy road than otherwise, mainly for the reason that you can't brake as hard on a wet road lest you lose grip and you bike ends up losing traction resulting in an eventual nasty slip. Always make sure that you keep an extra margin for error and brake in advance than you generally would.

Speeding through a puddle may remind you of your childhood days when you used to pedal your cycle through and have fun while the water splashed on your body, but this can be highly risky on a bike. Considering the shape of most Indian roads, it can be a high possibility that the puddle might be hiding a pothole underneath which may catch you unawares. Avoiding puddle or slowing down for unavoidable ones is the best thing to do.

Do NOT follow another vehicle very closely especially a car. Following a car is one of those 'never ever do' things. The potholes that the car misses between the width the left and right wheel may come as a dangerous surprise to you. Additionally, the muddy water splashing from its rear may further reduce your vision, and may not give enough time for you to react in case the vehicle ahead hits the brake in an emergency. Keep safe distance. Also, always keep a cleaning cloth with you when riding in the rain, to clean your visor, head lights and brake lights each time you take a break.

Keep your headlights on at all times to make yourself visible to oncoming traffic

Making yourself as visible as possible for other vehicles is as important as your visibility up head. To ensure this you can fix additional hazard lights/blinkers which should be kept on whenever visibility is low. You should also keep your headlights on at all times to make yourself visible to oncoming traffic.

Lastly, ride with all your gear on, which includes a waterproof jacket, gloves and boots, and protective pads for your knees and shin. In fact these are must haves every time you ride and not just during monsoons. A good helmet with a clear non-tinted visor is very important. Applying wax on the visor of your helmet can help the water to drip down faster and make visibility slightly better.

Above all this, keeping your bike in perfect fit is also equally important. More information on Tips for motorcycle maintenance in monsoon to come soon on www.zigwheels.com