Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and gatherings. However, with the festivities come challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your car safe amidst the increased traffic, fireworks, and potential for damage. Whether travelling to meet family or parking your car at home, protecting your vehicle is essential.
Car Safety Tips During Diwali
The following are tips you can consider to keep your vehicle safe during Diwali -
1. Keep windows closed
Avoid driving with windows open, especially in residential areas. You never know when a firecracker might enter your car and damage parts like seat covers or injure you or your loved ones inside the car. Moreover, cars have many flammable components, and if crackers come into contact with them, there is a high risk of your car turning into ashes.
2. Avoid body cover
It is recommended to cover your car to shield it from dust and direct sunlight, which can affect its shine. However, during Diwali, using body covers is not advisable. These covers are often made of flammable materials such as plastic or cloth. If they come into contact with flames from candles or sparks from firecrackers, they can catch fire immediately, causing significant damage to your vehicle.
3. Prefer covered parking space
Leaving your car outdoors for hours has several downsides. It can result in rusting, fading body paint, damaging plastic trim, and deteriorating rubber parts. But if you leave your car outdoors during Diwali, the drawbacks increase. There is a chance of sparks from firecrackers hitting inflammable components. There is also a risk of other motorists hitting your car when smoke from fireworks blurs the driver's visibility.
The best option is to park your vehicle in a covered area or underground parking space. If you can't find either, consider parking in a place away from streets where crackers are being burst.
4. Check tyre pressure
Diwali is a time when your car can accumulate a lot of dirt and soot from fireworks and pollution. Keeping your vehicle clean improves its appearance and prevents long-term damage to the paint. Dirt, smoke, and pollutants can settle on the car's surface, causing discolouration if left unchecked. Use a microfibre cloth to clean your car gently, and invest in car wax that can create a protective layer on the vehicle's surface.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher
Keeping a small fire extinguisher in your vehicle can be a lifesaver. Ensure that the extinguisher is within reach and that you know how to use it. A fire blanket can also be useful for putting out small fires before they escalate.
Conclusion
Ensuring your car's safety during Diwali is not challenging if you implement the above-mentioned ideas. Also, investing in car insurance online or offline is highly recommended. This ensures you don't have to bear the repair and replacement costs from your pocket if an accidental fire occurs.