Your experience driving in the rain can be inconvenient or even downright dangerous, depending on the condition of your car. Thus, to prevent mishaps that can cause accidents, physical injuries, and other unpleasant consequences, you must ensure that your car is in great shape.
For a rain-ready car, here are some care tips you can follow:
Make Sure Your Wipers Are in Good Shape
The windshield wipers are among the most critical parts of your car when it’s raining. Your primary concern should be the blades. These are usually rubber, which can get brittle and crack over time. Inspect the wiper blades regularly and replace them ASAP if they’re damaged.
Fortunately, it’s easy to DIY the replacement of your car’s windshield wiper blades. If you don’t know how there are plenty of instructional videos you can watch online. Also, remember to get parts from a reliable auto supplier so you can count on their long-lasting performance.
Aside from the wiper blades, you should also check if the motor is working properly. To conduct a simple test, turn the wipers on and note whether they’re moving based on the speed setting. Usually, a faulty windshield wiper motor will result in slow-moving wipers or wipers that don’t stop in the correct position. In a worst-case scenario, your wipers may not move at all.
You can also DIY the replacement of the wiper motor, or you can bring your car to your trusted mechanic. Make sure to have the new wiper motor installed before driving again; you never know when the rain will start to pour down!
Clean Your Windshield
A dusty windshield can impede your vision while driving in the rain. This is especially true if it is only a light drizzle, as the mix of dirt and only a little bit of water can result in muddy streaks.
The good thing is that this is easy to remedy: just give your windshield a good wash. While you’re at it, clean the rear windshield and side mirrors. As a final touch, you can add a water-resistant coating so that water will not smear the glass.
It would help if you also got into the habit of washing or wiping your windshield after driving in the rain. This way, the droplets won’t dry off and leave behind mineral deposits that can damage the glass. Last but certainly not least, make sure your windshield wiper fluid is always topped up. This way, you can always give your windshield a quick wash whenever you need it.
Check Your Lights
Your car’s lights are also vital when driving in the rain, especially at night. Aside from lighting the road ahead, properly working lights make your car more visible to other road users.
Fortunately, checking if your car’s lights are in good working order is easy. Turn on the switches and see if the bulbs are suitably bright and if they’re giving off a steady illumination. If not, replace them immediately.
You should also inspect the lenses to see if they’re still clear. Even if the light bulbs are in good working condition, they may appear dim if the lenses are blurry. You can use a mixture of toothpaste and a little baking soda to clean the lenses. There are also dedicated cleaners, sometimes called headlight restorers, if you prefer these products.
Inspect the Tyres and Brakes
Most roads become more hazardous to drive on when it’s raining because wet surfaces don’t allow for much road grip. Thus, to stay safe, you should ensure your tyres’ treads are still deep enough to provide good traction.
It’s also crucial to keep your brakes in good shape, no matter the season, but particularly during rainy days. This is because your car needs a little more power to stop during wet conditions. Always check the health of your brake system and make replacements when and where necessary.
Make Sure Your Battery Is in Good Shape
It’s already quite a hassle to experience car troubles in nice weather; it becomes doubly so when it’s raining. To avoid such problems, it’s a good idea to always check your car’s battery health every so often and before driving out in the rain.
If it’s been raining for a few days, you should check the battery terminals to see if they’ve accumulated moisture. If so, dry it up quickly, so it doesn’t cause corrosion.
Take Care of the Underbody
Finally, your car’s underbody requires extra care when it’s rainy as it’s exposed to puddles, mud, and other damaging elements. To keep it in good condition, wash it after you drive over potholes filled with rainwater or similar road hazards. For your peace of mind, you can also add a protective coating.
Just as you tend to get more prone to sickness when it rains, your car is also exposed to more hazards during this type of weather. Keep these care tips in mind so your vehicle can stay in good shape and you can stay safe when driving in the rain.
