Safeguarding your vehicle during monsoon

Though nearly all car companies are conducting free vehicle check ups in
June-July, it's always safe to keep the following precautions in mind and
implement them while driving during rainy season:

• The tread grooves should be of min 1.5-2mm in tires. If there are sidewall
  cuts in tires, replace them
• Break system should be properly functional
• Check brake oil
• Replace old/brittle wipers
• Ensure both the wipers, signal lights and tail lamps are in working
  condition
• Drive with dried shoes or feet
• Carry emergency equipment
• Speed limit during the rains should be 20-25kph

While driving on the expressway:

Maintain distance between you and the vehicle in front because it takes
longer to stop on slippery roads. The distance should be double during the
monsoon season than during the normal season, failing which you will not be able
to get adequate braking distance in case the front vehicle suddenly stops. If
available, drive in the fast lane, where there are fewer vehicles and less oil
deposited on the road. Also, because of the built-in slope of the road, water
drains towards the slower lanes. Avoid lane changes, as water tends to build up
between the tire ruts in the lanes.

Keep the headlights 'on'. It'll be helpful for you as well as other drivers
see you. If your vehicle has daytime running lights you still should put them
on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.

Drive in the tracks of a vehicle ahead of you. That way you will get a
picture of what lies ahead of you well in advance. Also watch out for brake
lights in front of you.

Drenched road safety

Wet roads pose problems of their own. Being alert will help you identify
potential hazards. Roads become slightly frictionless during rains, so its
better to watch for oil deposits on road. The rain blends with oil and
rubber-dust deposits on the road surface, thus resulting in a dangerous skid
mixture, which builds up at intersections, where vehicles stop and start
frequently. Be extra careful when rain has just started, because it takes some
time for the dirt and oil to get washed off the road.

Trail the tires	Drive slowly	Keep toll kit ready

Brakes get saturated at this time, and only slow driving and applying light
brakes will generate enough heat to dry them out. Be sure they are pulling
evenly on all wheels before building up speed again.

Keep toll kit ready

Skids are one of the most common causes for accidents and casualties during
the monsoons. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially
on curves. Brake before entering the curves. Steer and brake with a light touch.
If you get stuck in a skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the desired
direction. This will bring the back end of your vehicle in line with the front.
For vehicles without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes.

Driving skill

Specific conditions on the road will demand fine-tuning of your driving,
both for safety as well as comfort. Traction is the tire's grip on the road.
Decreased traction leads to increased stopping distance, so appropriately adjust
your speed for decreased traction. Adjust your speed to stop within your seeing
distance according to the visibility conditions. Maintain safe space cushion all
around your vehicle. Shape affects traction and visibility; adjust speed for
curves and hills.

Try and avoid the following on rain-drenched roads Control the speed with the accelerator, pump the brake peddle and apply the brake slowly, as sudden braking may result in overturning of the vehicle. Avoid swinging the vehicle. This can result in the vehicle skidding or rolling over. Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen can cause temporary loss of visibility, while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions, pedestrians, livestock and two wheelers are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid. If possible, wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, and wait until the rain slows. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers. Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your vehicle could be swept off the road. During thunderstorm, avoid contact with metal or conducting surfaces outside and inside the vehicle. Lightning that strikes nearby can travel through wet ground to your car.