Monsoon Car Care: How to Protect Your Car in the Rainy Season

The monsoon brings relief from the heat, but it is hard on cars. Wet roads reduce grip, heavy rain cuts visibility, and flooded streets can damage engines and electrics in minutes. A little preparation keeps you safer and avoids expensive repairs.

Before the rains: a quick checklist

Tyres

Tyre tread channels water away from the contact patch. Worn tyres cannot clear water fast enough and are more likely to aquaplane, where the tyre rides on a film of water and loses grip.

• Check tread depth on all four tyres. Replace tyres that are worn close to the wear indicators.
• Check tyre pressure when cold and set it to the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Look for cracks and bulges on the sidewalls.

Wipers and washers

• Replace wiper blades that smear, skip or squeak. Rubber hardens and cracks in the summer heat.
• Fill the washer reservoir and check that the jets are aimed correctly.

Lights

• Check headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights.
• Clean or restore cloudy headlight lenses for better visibility.

Brakes

Wet brakes are less effective. Have the pads, discs and brake fluid checked if you have noticed noise, vibration or a soft pedal.

Battery and electrics

Damp conditions expose weak batteries and loose connections. Have the battery tested, clean any corrosion from the terminals and make sure the connections are tight.

Drains and seals

• Clear leaves and dirt from the drains below the windscreen and around the sunroof, if fitted.
• Check door and window seals for cracks that could let water in.

Underbody and rust protection

Water and mud speed up rust. Consider an underbody wash and, for older cars, a check of known rust spots.

Driving safely in the rain

• Slow down. Stopping distances are longer on wet roads.
• Keep a bigger gap to the vehicle in front.
• Turn on your headlights in heavy rain so others can see you. Avoid driving with hazard lights on while moving, as it confuses other drivers about your intentions.
• Avoid sudden movements. Brake, steer and accelerate gently.
• Watch for the first rain. Oil and dust on the road make it especially slippery in the first shower after a dry spell.
• Use the AC or demister to keep windows clear of fog.

If the car starts to aquaplane

Do not brake hard or turn the steering sharply. Ease off the accelerator, hold the steering straight and let the car slow down until the tyres regain grip.

Flooded roads: the biggest risk

Water entering the engine through the air intake can cause severe, expensive damage, and water can also ruin electrics and interiors.

• Avoid driving through flooded roads whenever you can. Find another route or wait.
• You cannot see how deep the water is, or whether there is an open drain or pothole underneath.
• If you must cross shallow water, drive slowly and steadily in a low gear without stopping, and do not create a bow wave.
• Never try to drive through fast moving water.

If the engine stalls in water

Do not try to restart it. Restarting an engine that has taken in water can cause serious internal damage. Switch off, move to safety if possible, and have the car towed to a workshop for inspection.

After driving through water

• Test your brakes gently at low speed to dry them.
• Have the car checked if water came above the bottom of the doors, especially the electrics, wheel bearings and transmission.
• Dry out wet carpets and mats quickly to avoid mould and smells.

Parking during the monsoon

• Park on higher ground where possible and away from areas that flood.
• Avoid parking under weak trees, loose signboards and electricity poles.
• A breathable car cover can help, but do not cover a wet car for long periods.

Motorcycle riders

• Check tyres and brakes, and keep the chain lubricated as rain washes lubricant away.
• Wear a good raincoat and make yourself visible with lights and reflective gear.
• Avoid painted road markings and metal covers, which become very slippery when wet.

Buying a used car after the monsoon

Flood damaged cars sometimes appear on the market after heavy rains. Look for:

• A damp or musty smell inside
• Water marks, mud or silt under the carpets, in the boot or around the seat rails
• Rust in unusual places, such as seat bolts or under the dashboard
• Electrical faults or fogged lights

When in doubt, have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy.

Prepare your car now, drive gently when it rains and stay out of floodwater. Your car, and your wallet, will thank you.

Image: AI-generated illustration.