Perform a Pre-Monsoon Car Check
Before the rains intensify, give your vehicle a thorough inspection. Your tyres are your first line of defence against slippery roads. Ensure they have adequate tread depth to channel water away and prevent skidding. Worn tyres are a significant risk
for hydroplaning. Next, check your wiper blades. If they are cracked, hardened from the summer heat, or leave streaks, replace them immediately for clear visibility. Finally, test your entire lighting system—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. During a downpour, being seen is just as important as seeing. Also, have your brakes inspected; wet conditions significantly increase stopping distances, and you need them to be in optimal condition.
Master Visibility in Downpours
Heavy rain drastically reduces visibility for everyone on the road. Switch on your low-beam headlights, even during the day, to make your vehicle more visible to others. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the raindrops and dazzle oncoming drivers, making things worse. Inside the car, humidity can cause your windscreen to fog up instantly. Use your car’s air conditioner, not just the fan, to act as a dehumidifier and clear the glass effectively. Before you drive, take a moment to clean both the inside and outside of your windshields and windows. A clean surface prevents light from scattering and improves clarity, especially at night.
Slow Down and Increase Your Following Distance
The single most important adjustment you can make when driving in the rain is to reduce your speed. Wet roads are treacherous, and your vehicle will need a much longer distance to stop. As a rule of thumb, at least double the distance you would normally keep from the vehicle in front of you. This buffer gives you more time to react to sudden stops or hazards hidden by the rain. Driving slowly also reduces the risk of hydroplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road surface. Remember, the posted speed limit is for ideal, dry conditions, not for a monsoon downpour.
Understand the Danger of Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is one of the most frightening experiences a driver can have. It occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing a loss of traction and control over steering and braking. It feels as if your car is floating. If this happens, do not panic and do not slam on the brakes. Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator gently and keep the steering wheel straight. Making sudden movements with the steering wheel or brakes will only make the situation worse. Allow the car to slow down on its own until you feel the tyres regain contact with the road.
Navigate Waterlogged Roads with Extreme Caution
Flooded streets are a common sight during the Indian monsoon, hiding potholes, debris, and open manholes. The safest option is always to avoid driving through standing water. It is often deeper than it looks, and just six inches of water can be enough to cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you have no other choice and the water level is below the bottom of your wheel rims, proceed slowly and steadily in a low gear. Do not stop, and try to keep your engine revs up to prevent water from entering the exhaust. Once you are through, gently tap your brakes to dry them out and ensure they are working properly.
Turn Off Cruise Control
Cruise control is a convenient feature for long drives on dry highways, but it is extremely dangerous to use in rainy conditions. The system is designed to maintain a constant speed, which can lead to a loss of control if your car begins to hydroplane. When hydroplaning occurs, you need to be able to reduce speed instantly by taking your foot off the accelerator. Cruise control will delay this reaction and may even try to accelerate to maintain speed when the tyres momentarily regain traction, potentially causing the car to skid. Always keep your feet ready to use the pedals and maintain full manual control of your vehicle when the roads are wet.
Pack a Monsoon Emergency Kit
Getting stranded is more likely during the monsoon due to traffic snarls, breakdowns, or flooding. A well-stocked emergency kit in your boot can be a lifesaver. Include essentials like a powerful torch with spare batteries, a first-aid kit, and a reflective warning triangle. Also pack a tow rope, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit. For personal comfort and safety, keep a raincoat or umbrella, a change of clothes, a power bank for your phone, and some non-perishable snacks and drinking water. Having these items on hand ensures you are prepared for unexpected delays and can handle minor emergencies without assistance.
