Monsoon Survival Guide

North India is rejoicing the arrival of the monsoons for its a much-needed respite from the summer heat. Rains cause cars some serious wear and tear. Here’s our guide on how to stay mobile

It’s that time of the year when the heavens open up showering the parched earth with the nectar of life from which new life springs forth. Rain might bring welcome relief after the long scorching summer but it also means trying times for your car. The humidity in the air can play havoc with the interiors. It also takes a toll on the paintwork and the underbody of your car. Driving in the rain can also be troublesome because visibility drops drastically, as does traction from the tyres and braking performance. In this issue, we give you a rundown on how to tackle these rainy conditions. At the end of it, you should even be able to enjoy driving or commuting this monsoon season.

Cabin Care

During this period it’s normal for people to enter the car’s cabin with drenched clothes and wet shoes. This leads to moisture build up inside the cabin, which leaves a foul musty smell in the passenger compartment. The dirty rubber mats turn into breeding grounds for fungus.

Also, the wet soles of shoes become prone to slipping off the pedals, which can be dangerous. A layer of newspaper in the footwell of the car can be helpful to absorb the moisture from the soles of your shoes and the mats. It will also prevent dirt from your shoes getting transferred on to the carpets or mats.

Remember to keep your car covered if parked in the open and keep it well ventilated while driving. Using a good car freshener or perfume will help to mask any musty odours. Set your vehicle’s air-conditioner to the fresh air, recirculate mode to flush the moisture out from the cabin. This will also prevent misting of the windshield when you first get in the car after it’s parked in the rain.