While the rainy season brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, it also calls for extra caution while driving. With roads becoming slippery and visibility dropping, driving can be a tricky affair during monsoons. Apart from heeding common advice like driving slowly and using headlights, here are some other tips you can use to safeguard your ride.
Essential tips that can help you drive safely
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Clear windshields before hitting the roads
A clear windshield ensures maximum visibility and helps you react to road conditions faster. Before taking the driver’s seat, ensure to clean it. Equally essential is to ensure that your wipers are in top condition. If they leave streaks or make noise, replace them. Also, keep your washer fluid filled with a solution that removes dirt and oil from the windshield.
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Apply anti-fog spray on windows
Foggy windows reduce visibility and make seeing other vehicles, pedestrians and road signs difficult. To prevent fog from settling on windows, you can use an anti-fog spray. Alternatively, you can rub a small amount of shampoo or shaving foam on the inside of the windshield and wipe it off. This creates a thin protective layer that prevents fog from forming and helps keep your vision clear.
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Keep your brakes dry
Due to moisture build-up, brakes can become less effective in wet conditions. To keep them dry, keep pressing them gently at short intervals. This technique, known as brake drying, helps maintain optimal braking performance and prevents skidding.
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Avoid using cruise control
Cruise control allows you to set your vehicle to move at a specific speed without using the accelerator pedal. Though an exciting feature, it can reduce your ability to react quickly. Try driving manually in the rain to maintain complete control over your vehicle and adjust your speed based on road conditions.
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Keep a safe distance from large vehicles
Large vehicles like trucks and buses splash a lot of water. This can temporarily blind you. Maintaining a safe distance gives you enough time to adjust your driving in case of sudden stops or water spray blocking your view. If you find larger vehicles ahead, drive slowly.
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Check tyre tread depth and air pressure regularly
Your vehicle's tyres need a good grip on wet roads. Ensure that the tread depth is adequate and the air pressure is correct. Overinflated or worn-out tyres increase the risk of slipping in rainy conditions.
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Avoid breaking hard in waterlogged areas
Sudden braking on wet roads can cause skidding. Instead, reduce speed gradually and use gentle braking to maintain control. If you feel your vehicle losing grip, you can ease off the accelerator rather than slamming the brakes.
Conclusion
With proper precautions, you can make driving in the rain safe for yourself and others. You can take some of the necessary steps, like checking tyre tread depth, air pressure, wiper condition, etc., before monsoon starts to drive worry-free.