Monsoon season is here and we bet most of you want to hit the roads just for the sheer amount of fun to be had riding during a downpour. Yes, I can read your mind. But before hitting the roads, you should know that there are some risks associated while driving in the monsoons. This is also not the right time to venture out, especially during these testing times around us. You know what we mean. Also, your machine should be prepared to bear the brunt it's going to face for the next three months. So in this feature, we'll pore over each and every parameter you need to take care of while using your vehicle during a downpour.
Precautions That Need To Be Taken
It's always advisable to get your beloved machine checked before the monsoon season begins. This ensures that your vehicle is top notch and can bear the brunt of this precarious wet weather. And if you own an electric vehicle, you might want to read this , our sister channel.
Cars:
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Ensure that your wipers are in good condition. If the wiper blade rubber is hard or if you think it's not effective, don't think twice to get it replaced.
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Get your door beadings checked as you don't want water leaking into the cabin.
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Ensure that tyres and brakes are in a good condition as you'll be driving on wet roads.
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Lastly ensure all the necessary fluids are at optimum levels.
Bikes:
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The last two points from the car sections are also important here.
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Ensure that all the lights, indicators and switch gears are functioning properly.
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Exposed wires in your bike should be concealed as live wires are prone to short circuits. This is dangerous both to the bike and the rider.
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Ensure that your chain is properly lubed all the time.
And if you own a bike or scooter, it is important to take precautionary measures while riding through monsoon. Ensure you follow the rules of ATGATT (All the gear all the time). At the end of the day, you should gear up for the unwanted slide as well as the ride.
A common point for both car and bike owners. If your vehicle has been parked in a heavily flooded area, do not attempt to start it. Call roadside assistance as water could have seeped into the engine or affected the electronics.
The Driving / Riding Bit
Now to the fun bit: driving on a wet road, something which most of us love to do. Splash through the puddles, have fun while driving and enjoy sliding around on a wet twisty road. But exercise some caution as there are a lot of dangers involved. Here are a few:
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Flooded Road, Should I Attempt?
Yes, provided the depth of the water is below your car's bumper or your bike's bash guard. If you're unable to gauge its depth, take an alternative route even if it's longer. Taking the risk could lead to major consequences such as hydrolocking. And if your car or bike has exposed wires, it could lead to short circuits. Both are very expensive repairs and in most cases insurance doesn't cover them.
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All Puddles Are Not Puddles
All puddles are not stagnant water. Beneath that layer of water could be a large pothole whose effect could be quite similar to what you saw in Titanic. Attacking potholes at high speeds could damage critical components such as the rims and suspension. And if you're on a bike, there's the risk of you falling down and hurting yourself. So it's always better to take things down a notch on seeing stagnant water, especially on a bike as it could be life threatening.
We suggest riders observe people walking through the puddle to gauge the depth and take the edge of the road during monsoon season. If it's too deep, don't hesitate to turn around and take an alternative route. Also, maintain a fair amount of gap with the vehicle in front of you.
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Stagnant Water On A Highway? Slow Down
If taken at speed, it could result in aquaplaning, which is life threatening. Aquaplaning happens when water builds up in front of your tyres faster than the vehicle is able to displace it. This creates a thin layer of water between the rubber and the road surface, leading to loss of grip. This could turn out to be catastrophic, driving you and your beloved set of wheels in grave harm's way.
After-care Maintenance:
Finished your jolly drive in the rain? Your beloved machine deserves a spa treatment. Give it a thorough wash and remove all the gunk and mud sticking to it. Has water seeped into the cabin? You should vent your car by opening all your windows so that the damp odour can be extinguished and the carpets dry faster.
In the case of your bike, ensure that you clean the chain and lube it again.
These are just a few factors that you need to keep in mind while riding or driving during the monsoon. If you have some of your own monsoon hacks, do share with us in the comments below. Till then move out only when it's absolutely necessary; and when you do, be as careful as you can.
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