Mistake 1: Ignoring Pre-Monsoon Vehicle Checks
One of the biggest errors is assuming your car is ready for the onslaught of rain without a proper check-up. Worn wiper blades will leave streaks and impair vision. Bald or improperly inflated tyres dramatically increase the risk of skidding and hydroplaning,
as they can't effectively channel water away. Similarly, compromised brakes are less effective on wet surfaces, significantly increasing your stopping distance. Before you start your trip, inspect your tyres for adequate tread depth (at least 3mm is recommended), ensure your wipers are in good condition, and check that all lights—headlights, taillights, and indicators—are working perfectly to ensure you can see and be seen.
Mistake 2: Driving Too Fast for Conditions
It seems obvious, but speed is the critical factor in most monsoon-related accidents. Wet roads are slick, especially when the first rains mix with oil and dust on the tarmac, creating a treacherous surface. Your braking distance can be two to three times longer than on a dry road. It's essential to reduce your speed and increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead; the usual two-second rule should be extended to at least four or five seconds. This gives you more time to react to sudden stops or hazards. Driving slowly also reduces the chance of hydroplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water.
Mistake 3: Misjudging Waterlogged Roads
A stretch of standing water might look deceptively shallow, but it often hides dangers like deep potholes, debris, or open manholes. Driving into water that is deeper than the centre of your wheels is extremely risky. If the water level is high enough to reach your exhaust or engine bay, you risk stalling the car or causing catastrophic engine damage, known as a hydrostatic lock. The safest rule is to turn around and find an alternative route if you cannot gauge the water's depth. If you must proceed, do so slowly in a low gear, maintaining a steady speed to create a bow wave and prevent water from flooding the engine.
Mistake 4: Panicking During a Skid or Hydroplane
Losing traction on a wet road can be terrifying, but the worst thing you can do is panic. If you feel the car starting to hydroplane—where the steering feels light and unresponsive—do not slam on the brakes or make sharp turns. Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel pointed in the direction you want to go. Gentle, smooth movements are key. If the rear of your car skids, gently steer into the direction of the skid to help the tyres regain traction. For cars with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), you can apply firm, steady pressure to the brake if you must stop.
Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Lights
In heavy rain, visibility is severely compromised. A common but dangerous mistake is to switch on hazard lights while driving. Hazard lights are meant for stationary vehicles in an emergency and can confuse other drivers, who won't be able to tell if you are braking or turning. The correct procedure is to turn on your low-beam headlights, even during the day, to make your vehicle more visible to others. Avoid using high beams in rain or fog, as the light will reflect off the water droplets, creating glare and worsening visibility for you and oncoming drivers.
Mistake 6: Not Managing Cabin Visibility
The high humidity of the monsoon can cause your windscreen and windows to fog up quickly, both inside and out. Many drivers resort to wiping the glass with a cloth, which can be distracting and ineffective. The correct way to clear an internally fogged windscreen is to use your car's air conditioning. Turn on the AC, direct the airflow to the windscreen, and use the defogger setting to quickly clear the mist. Keeping the inside of your glass clean can also help prevent fog from forming in the first place.
