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Imagine you are cruising along the highway and suddenly the weather breaks, and now you are facing wet weather on a cemented tarmac. What do you do?
You adjust your driving of course, to be safer, and more in control of the vehicle.
But what if it’s been a while since you last serviced your brake pads or checked the tread on your tyres? Not many people realize that driving safety starts before you start driving. So, in today’s blog we are sharing tips for vehicle maintenance that will help you drive better and safer in different types of weather conditions.
Let’s get started with the most tricky of them all.
Driving in wet weather conditions
Driving during the monsoons, as the rainy season is called here in India, is always demanding and requires both preparation and presence of mind. First, we have a look at the maintenance guidelines for vehicles during the rainy season.
Tyre checks that can be a life saver
Worn out tyres are a recipe for disaster in any season, but especially during wet weather driving. Making sure that your tyres have the minimum recommended tread depth (1.6 millimeters in most countries) is one of the most critical aspects of vehicle maintenance during monsoons.
One of the functions of the tread patterns on your car tyres is to channel away water that sticks to the tyre surface. It can help you avoid hydroplaning, which is a situation when a layer of water forms between the tyre and road surface, leading to total loss of vehicular control as the car basically slides along the road, or off it.
Also, hydroplaning, or aquaplaning, generally happens in under-inflated tyres. So, proper tyre inflation is also crucial for traction. It also helps to have a tyre with modern tread patterns like the Alnac 4G on your vehicle, as these tyres are engineered to reduce the chances of mishaps in varied weather and road situations.
Checking your wiper blades for clear view
Wiper service is often neglected by vehicle owners, which is another safety hazard in the making. Streaking or squeaking wipers are a telltale sign of worn wiper blades, which can be replaced at very low cost. Similarly, it’s important to have your washer fluid topped up with quality cleaning solution when driving in rainy weather.
But why? It’s raining outside and there’s already water on the windscreen.
Well, typically after it stops raining or slows down to a drizzle, dirt and debris from vehicles in front of us start accumulating on our windscreen. Especially from larger vehicles like trucks and buses, which also release diesel fumes and oily trails. Having your washer fluid topped up ensures that you can clean out the windscreen and have a clear view of the road.
Check your brake pads
Any unusual noises or vibrations during braking could indicate worn out brake pads. Have them inspected and replaced if necessary. Because even your new car tyres can do their best if the brakes are good.
Headlights, tail lamps and blinkers
In rainy weather, the visibility can drop drastically in a matter of seconds, so make sure that your car’s headlights, taillights, and fog lights are functioning correctly for maximum visibility in low-light conditions.
Next up, let’s discuss winter driving.
Driving in winter fog and snow
Now, before we start this section, know that most of the tips from the wet weather driving section apply to winter driving as well. Your tyres and brakes again become important because of the dew or snow on the road surfaces and visibility also becomes a paramount concern as we experience dense fog and smog-like conditions in both rural and urban areas.
In addition to that, here are the tips that will help you drive safely during winters:
If you live in an area where it frequently snows, then either switch to winter tyres, which have specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds that provide superior grip and braking performance in cold, icy, and snowy conditions. Carry tyre chains in case there is heavy snowfall in your area.
Check tyre pressure regularly, as cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop.
Rotate your tyres, for better grip and even wear of the tread lining.
Cold temperatures zap battery power. Have your battery tested and replaced if necessary, especially if it's more than three years old.
Start your vehicles with gentle warm-up, allowing the engine a few minutes to reach operating temperature, especially in extreme cold.
Ensure your heater and defroster are working correctly for clear visibility and comfortable driving.
And once the winds of winter blow away and the mercury starts climbing, get ready to keep your car running cool and go the distance in sizzling hot weather.
Driving in warm weather
Once again, the tips start with keeping what we have learned so far and adding new stuff to the maintenance checklist. As you very well know, summer temperatures are nearing 50° Celsius nowadays, so the car maintenance starts with your cooling system.
Inspect your radiator, hoses, and coolant levels for optimal performance. Watch for signs like a temperature gauge spike, steam from under the hood, or a strange smell. Pull over safely and let the engine cool down if necessary.
Get your car AC service done to avoid sweltering in a summer inferno.
Keep tyre inflation optimal, as the hot asphalt tends to heat the air inside your tyres and can increase the tyre pressure. Overinflation can affect handling and increase the risk of blowouts. You can also look at nitrogen filling if you are living in states like Western Rajasthan.
Park in the shade to reduce interior temperature and reduce vehicular fumes inside the cabin. It also protects your car’s interior plastics and upholstery from UV damage.
Once you have done all of the above, always remember to drive within speed limits and stay hydrated.
Things to keep in your car’s toolbox
Based on the entire checklist of things to do for safe driving in all types of weather, we have also prepared a parting checklist of tools that come handy when you are trying to follow all these tips.
Jumper cables: Dead battery savior, regardless of the season.
Tyre pressure gauge: Maintain optimal pressure for safe handling and fuel efficiency.
Multi-tool/Pocket Knife: A versatile tool with pliers, screwdrivers, and a blade for various small repairs.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Work Gloves: Protect your hands during roadside repairs or tyre changes.
First-aid kit: Essential for treating minor injuries.
In conclusion, safe driving isn't just about how you handle your vehicle on the road, but also about how well you prepare it for the journey ahead. By following these maintenance tips and packing a well-stocked toolbox, you can confidently face whatever weather comes your way and ensure a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Remember, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in keeping yourself and others safe on the road, no matter the season.