Tips For Driving Safe In Monsoon

The monsoon season has already arrived in most parts of India, and driving in rainy conditions can be a beautiful experience. However, one needs to tread carefully, as an enjoyable drive can turn ugly if certain basic precautions are not taken. Don’t worry, we are not here to scare you, but instead provide you with the necessary tips that you should follow while driving in the monsoon. 

Reduced visibility, wet roads and less traction are some of the outcomes, and making sure that our loved ones are safe becomes our responsibility. So here are the essential tips for driving safely during monsoon:

Inspect Your Vehicle 

If your car is not in ideal condition, it might not affect your daily drives too much when you are driving in normal conditions. However, in rainy conditions, you will have to be extra careful and make sure that your car is in that “ideal” state. 

Make sure that your tyres have enough tread depth. Worn-out tyres could lose grip and increase the chances of skidding. Ensure that your brakes are in perfect working condition, and headlights (both) are working properly. While it might sound too obvious, it is also important to make sure that the wipers are not damaged and the windshield washer fluid level is adequate. 

Check for rusting, which could lead to the rainwater getting inside your car and damaging either your luggage or key components of your car. 

More Breathing Space

While driving on highways, keep an extra car’s gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. You never know when that extra gap might turn out to be a lifesaver. More space will also help you get an extra second if a truck or bus nearby splashes water on your windshield and you are blinded by it for a second. 

Avoid Sudden Movements

When driving during rain, always keep in mind that the surface is wet and sudden braking, accelerating, or sharp turns could result in unforeseen situations. Gradual movements and careful steering inputs help maintain more control. 

Aquaplaning 

Aquaplaning or hydroplaning is a condition where the tyre loses contact with the road surface, and you lose traction. Aqualaning can occur if you are driving fast and you go over a layer of water. One should not apply the brakes in this condition, as it could further worsen the situation. Rather, patience is the key, and once the tyre gets the grip again, brakes should be applied. 

Use Your Defoggers 

Most of the cars get a front and rear defogger, which should be used in rainy conditions when fog builds up on the glass and visibility reduces. 

Beware Of Potholes 

What might initially just look like a small puddle that tempts you to drive fast over it, you should remember that there could be a big pothole beneath it and going over it at a fast speed could actually damage your car’s suspension and also give your passengers a proper jerk. Be even more careful if you're driving with your dad, who is your de facto driving instructor or if your passenger seat is occupied by the girl you are trying to impress. 

Preparation Is Key

Things don’t always go as planned, and for that, it is important to take precautionary steps. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like an umbrella, flashlight, first aid kit, and a tow rope. It’s also helpful to have roadside assistance contact numbers available with you if you are planning a road trip. 

Key Takeaways! 

In conclusion, a road trip in the rain can be therapeutic and enriching, but certain incidents can hamper your experience. While we encourage you to enjoy the weather, take your cars out, and have a great time with your friends and family, we also request you to keep the abovementioned points in mind. 

While you take care of yourself and your family, also give extra care to your car during the monsoons. Because if you take care of yours, your car will take care of you! If you have any other monsoon tips and hacks, let us know in the comments section.