Mabuyane Mabuza
As the warm rays of the African sun yield to the impending arrival of storm clouds, South Africa’s inland provinces anticipate the start of the rainy season. While the rain brings relief and nourishment to the arid landscape, it also poses challenges for motorists, making it essential to prepare your car for the rainy days ahead.
Join me on a whimsical journey as we explore various ways to get your vehicle ready for the dance in the rain.
The rain dance of tyres:
Just like a well-choreographed dance routine, equipping your car with the right set of tyres can mean the difference between gliding gracefully through puddles or spinning out of control. Swap your worn-out tyres for a pair that boasts reliable wet-weather performance, featuring deep grooves that channel water away while maintaining optimal grip. Remember, it’s all about finding the perfect beat for your tyres to tap along the wet roads.
Windshield Wipers:
Your windshield wipers have the crucial role of ensuring clear visibility throughout the rain-soaked act. Before the clouds unleash their watery symphony, examine your wipers for cracks or fraying, which could impair movements. Replace them if necessary, granting your windshield a clear view of the raindrop.
The car’s makeover:
Just as dancers put on their best attire for a performance, your car deserves a makeover to face the rainy season in style. Give it a fresh coat of rain-repellent wax, acting as both an armour against the elements and a shining accessory. Don’t forget to scrub away mud and debris from the undercarriage, ensuring that your car’s elegance remains intact even amidst the muddiest of puddles.
The rhythm of fluid check:
To keep your car’s internal engine harmoniously humming, check the vital fluids before the rain commences. Make sure to harmonise the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid levels, providing them with the fluidity they require to waltz through the rainy season unimpeded.
Electrical system:
Just as dancers rely on their choreography, your car’s electrical system ensures a harmonious performance on the road. With the rain’s arrival, make sure every light, from the headlights to the brake lights, dances brightly to enhance your car’s visibility through the storm. Also, ensure that the battery is charged and ready to power your car’s ensemble of electronic devices.
Rust prevention:
Rain and rust, unfortunately, make for unwelcome dance partners. Shield your car’s metal body from their union by applying an anti-rust coating. Ward off the nefarious rust that tries to dampen your car’s vibrant appearance and structural integrity, allowing it to defy the onslaught of time and moisture.
Follow the tips below from MasterDrive SA:
- Check your wiper blades to ensure that they have not weathered over winter.
- Give yourself more travel time so you do not have to rush in bad weather.
- Adjust your speed to suit the conditions, however, do not slow down unnecessarily as this is just as dangerous.
- Do not use cruise control.
- If your headlights are not already on, turn them on.
- Leave double the following distance.
- Do not forget to look 12 seconds ahead.
- Brake earlier and with more caution.
- Avoid water that has pooled on the roads.
- If you cannot avoid this, drive through it slowly in case there is hidden debris or potholes.
- Driving recklessly and speeding increases the chances of hydroplaning.
