It’s time to say goodbye to sunny afternoons, air conditioning, and sunglasses to welcome the season of heating and bad weather. It is a change that is not usually liked, but, regardless of the opinions that each one of us may have, the main thing is that we must know how to adapt and prepare our car to have maximum safety on the road.
Now, rainy days are becoming more and more frequent, and the reality is that they compromise circulation. More traffic jams are generated, the braking distance increases, drivers have less visibility, in some areas, there are flash floods and floods that can damage vehicles, etc.
Therefore, at this time of year, we must be very rigorous with the maintenance of our car. Next, following Norauto’s instructions, we propose 10 tips so you know how to take care of your car to drive on rainy days.
1. Check the liquids
First of all, we will clarify that we must always monitor the levels of the liquids in our car. In other words, no matter what time of year it is, we must make sure that the engine oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and others are constantly within the recommended parameters if we want more security guarantees. However, in times of rain, special attention must be paid to the windshield wiper fluid.
Sometimes, and more so at this time of year after several months without rain, the water mixes with the dirt on the roads and forms fine and very slippery mud. We must prevent this dirt from accumulating. Otherwise, it will impair our visibility at the wheel. Something that greatly compromises our road safety and that of all vehicle occupants.
2. Guarantee your visibility on the road
The windshield wiper blades must be in perfect condition if we want them to work properly. If we circulate with them worn out, we will not be able to remove water or dirt from our field of vision, which will make it very difficult to drive the vehicle.
Also, not only do we have to check the front wiper blades, the rear ones are just as important.
3. Check the condition of the tires
After all, tires are the elements that connect us to the road. For this reason, we have to ensure our fastening to the asphalt, ensuring that they always have the appropriate pressure and that the drawings have not worn out.
The norm says that, at a minimum, these marks must be 1.6 mm, although the ideal is that they are between 3 or 4 mm approximately. As for tire pressure, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions, since other factors come into play, such as the load that the vehicle will support.
4. Let yourself be seen
Norauto recommends that we always have the dipped lights on, even during the day. The important thing to avoid accidents is to see and be seen. Therefore, it is necessary to check that all the lights (indicators, fog lights, short and long-distance, etc.) work as they should before traveling.
5. Be cautious
Even if it is only a little rain at first, the weather is unpredictable and as it can improve, it can also produce more intense precipitation. For example, in the coldest areas it can end up snowing or hailing and, if this happens, we have to have the necessary tools to circulate, such as winter tires or snow chains.
6. Watch the brakes
Stopping distance tends to increase as the asphalt gets wetter. For this reason, both the fluid and the brake pads must be in perfect condition. Likewise, we must not forget to check the shock absorbers and suspension of our car, although in this case, it is best to go to a trusted workshop periodically.
7. Avoid tarnishing
As with dirt, if the windshield fogs up we will not be able to see clearly and that is a great danger on the road. To prevent it, we must pay special attention to climate control, air conditioning, and air filter. Some models include a specialized system to prevent these situations and if so, the main thing is to check that they work correctly when temperatures begin to drop.
8. Take care of the battery
According to Norauto, it is one of the elements that suffers the most when temperatures drop. And, if it is in poor condition or discharged, we will not be able to circulate, so we recommend always carrying tweezers to recharge the car. It is better to anticipate problems.
9. Control all the movements of your car
The direction of our car can also deteriorate due to precipitation and low temperatures. That is why you have to periodically make sure that it works as it should and that it is in tune with the tires. Only in this way will we have guarantees that, while traveling, we will have full control of our vehicle.
10. Follow the rules
Although it is obvious, it is also important to remember that we must always carry all the necessary documentation to drive in our car. On days with very intense rainfall, there is a greater probability of accidents and the consequences of not having the papers in the car (and in order) can seriously harm your pocket; not only because of the traffic tickets but also because the insurance might not be responsible for the expenses.
Likewise, it is also essential that we always carry safety elements for emergencies such as the reflective vest and the warning triangles. They are mandatory and also very helpful.