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Rectify the monsoon damage!

Top 11 pro tips that will get your vehicle back in great shape after the rains.

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Now that the rains are on their way out, it is time to get back to normal driving in dry conditions. But the monsoon season does take its toll on your cars in ways that wouldn’t have struck you and it is important to make sure your vehicle is in top shape after all the beating it has taken in the past few months. Here are some of the most important things to look out for!

1. WASH TIME!
While regular washes during the rainy season are a must, it is even more important to give it a properly detailed wash both inside and outside. Most car shampoos will do the trick for the body. Give it a nice polish later to restore the paint’s shine too. Don’t neglect the interiors. Vacuum the carpets and make sure the dashboard and seats get a throrough wipedown as well.

2. DOWN UNDER
Take your car to a service centre and have the mechanics properly inspect the underbody not only for damage but also for loose harnesses that mount the hydraulic lines. This could also be a good time to give the underbody a nice diesel wash to take all the hardened muck off.

3. ELECTRICAL HEALTH
It is advisable to make sure all your lights, indicators, etc are working as they should. Open up the fuse box and check all the fuses while you’re at it and give a quick look to your battery terminals as well. Make sure your car horn is working fine too.

4. UNDER THE HOOD
With the thick layers of muck and dust mixed with oil forming on your engine it can lead to cooling problems for the powerplant. Make sure the bay is properly cleaned and the engine is kept as shiny as possible. Also, a lot of dust tends to accumulate on the radiator and also on the air filter as well. A good blast of pressurised air can help clean these bits up.

5. FLUID MECHANICS
This is a good time to check all the fluid levels in your car including the engine oil, brake oil, coolant levels and also the wash-wipe fluid. Top up these fluids or replace them altogether depending on how close you are to your regular service interval.

6. LIGHT THERAPY
Apart from the electrical health of your car, the headlights, tail lights and fog lamps also get quite a beating from projectiles thrown up by the cars in front of you. Inspect these to not only look for cracks and damage, but also to check for any moisture formation on the lens or flooding which could weaken the strength of the light beams. A quick clean up at a service centre or a replacement if required can easily solve this issue.

7. TREAD CAREFULLY

Tyres are one of the most abused parts of your car during the monsoons. It is always advisable to regularly clean up the treads of your tyres. Rid them of trapped pebbles and sharp stones that could damage your tyres further. Also, look for any embedded nails that could be causing slow punctures and keep an eye out for any kind of damage to the wheel rims as well.

8. STOPPING POWER
We also tend to use our brakes a lot more while driving in the rain. Checking brake fluids is a good exercise but also have a technician take a thorough look at the condition of your brake pads. Give them a quick abrasive rub down to restore their bite or replace the pads if they have worn beyond the recommended limit.

9. SPRINGS AND AXLES
No matter how careful we have been while driving through roads ravaged by rains, a car’s suspension does take quite a beating. Check for squeaks and judders from your car’s suspension and if you notice anything excessive, take it to a service centre immediately.

10. LOOKING GLASS
Projectiles from cars in front can cause cracks and scratches on your windshield as well. While replacing a windshield is the last resort, keep an eye out for any excessive damage. Cracks and deformities can hinder a clear view of the road ahead and may also prove to be potentially dangerous if ignored.

11. OILY AFFAIR!

A quick visit to your nearest service station is a must after the monsoons have receded. One of the most important items on your checklist has to be to make sure all the necessary parts are properly lubricated. Grease points need to have the recommended layer of grease to ensure longevity of every individual component of your car.

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