Tips to Prepare your Vehicle this Monsoons

Summers are usually a breeze for vehicle owners, winters are the best. But one season that most vehicle owners dread is the monsoons. If you live on any coastal region, the monsoons can be a romantic season, but to get around the city, it is like entering the battlefield.

Indian roads in general perceptions are not built for the leisurely rides across town. There are potholes, bumps, rowdy drivers and multiple possibilities of skidding. For this reason, if you own a vehicle, may be a bike or a car, you need to take certain precautions for the same.

Most accidents are prone to occur in the rainy season. One of the main areas of concern is the vehicular damage and loss that can be caused because of the rains. The amount of knowledge on how to mitigate the losses occurring from vehicular damage is minimal. 

During the floods of 26th July 2011, there were close to 30,000 cars and two-wheelers that suffered damage in Mumbai. 

Although it is still summer, it is never too early to be prepared. Here are some essential tips to navigate yourself this monsoon:

Insure your vehicle 
We cannot stress this enough. Getting a car insurance policy  should not be a practise because it is mandatory by law. Getting an insurance should be a conscious choice to protect yourself as well as your vehicle. One of the biggest weapons you have, to fight the big bad rains is a comprehensive car or two-wheeler insurance  policy. Before the monsoons, you should check to see whether your policy has been renewed or updated with your company. Ensure that your policy coverage is broad enough to cover the damages that can be caused during the monsoons. 

Tyres 
Before the monsoons begin, it is important to check the tyre treads. The monsoon season means wet roads and a lot of skidding and hydroplaning. To avoid this, check the tyre treads once. If the treads are not deep enough then your car will be at a high risk of skidding. 

Headlights 
For your four and two-wheeler vehicles, the headlights and taillights of your vehicle are crucial for navigating the roads in the monsoon. For this reason, before you head out in the rains, check the headlights and taillights. If they are cracked replace them, if they are spoiled fix them. Most of the times when it is pouring down, your headlight and taillights are your saving grace. 

Monsoon Servicing 
Right before the rainy season it is important to send your car in for servicing. This will help check for all damaged regions and fix them. Monsoon servicing will ensure that your car is ready and prepped for the rainy season. 

Slow Down
Given the rowdy drivers and the accumulated oil on the roads, intersections, sharp bends, highways and other crucial scenarios can be tricky. Do not put either your's or others' lives at risk. Ensure that you drive at a steady pace. Maintain a 4-5 metres gap between you and the vehicle in front and lastly hope that you do not get in a scenario, where your insurance may come in handy!