A Comprehensive Guide to Monsoon Vehicle Care: The Dos and Don'ts

Monsoon season can be a tough time for both drivers and their vehicles. In this guide, we will provide detailed insights and practical tips for maintaining your vehicle during monsoon, improving visibility, driving safely in heavy rains, and prepping your vehicle for this challenging season.

Monsoon Maintenance Tips for Your Car’s Windshield Wiper

1. Clean Your Windshield Often: During the monsoon, your windshield may gather dirt and grime from the wet environment. Cleaning it regularly helps improve visibility and ensures your wipers function effectively.

2. Never Run Your Wiper on a Dry Windshield: It's crucial to avoid running your wipers on a dry windshield as it can cause unnecessary wear and tear, and potentially damage the rubber blades.

3. Clean Your Wiper Blades Often: Just like your windshield, keep your wiper blades clean to prevent them from smearing grime across the glass and hampering visibility.

4. Tighten the Wiper Arms: Loose wiper arms can lead to inefficient cleaning of the windshield. Make sure the wiper arms are properly tightened and secure.

5. Change Your Blades Regularly: Wiper blades aren't designed to last forever. To maintain optimal performance, change your blades regularly, especially before the monsoon season begins.

Tips to Improve Your Vehicle's Visibility During Monsoons

• Inspect Your Car’s Windshield Wipers Regularly: Regular inspections can help identify any issues with the wipers early on, preventing poor visibility during rains.

• Defogging Windows is Important: Use the car’s defogging system to keep the windows clear of mist, ensuring a good view of the road.

• Turn on the Headlights: Turning on headlights, especially during heavy rain or fog, is a great way to enhance your visibility to other drivers.

• Never Change Lanes or Overtake without Caution: Sudden moves can be dangerous on wet roads, as visibility and road grip are compromised. Stay in your lane and only overtake when it's safe.

• Slow Down Your Speed: Wet roads can be slippery. Reduce speed to maintain control of your vehicle.

• Stay Away From Standing Water: Avoid driving through standing water, as it can lead to hydroplaning or engine damage.

• Avoid Cruise Control: On wet roads, cruise control can lead to a loss of traction. Avoid using it during the monsoon.

Tips to Drive Safely in Heavy Rains

• Driving in Low Visibility: If the rain is too heavy, consider pulling over until it lightens. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

• Driving in High Winds: High winds can unsettle your vehicle and affect your control. Hold the steering wheel firmly and stay alert.

• Driving on Slippery Roads: Drive slow and avoid sharp turns. If your vehicle does skid, steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on the brakes.

Get Your Vehicle Prepped for the Monsoon

How Car Insurance Add-ons Save Your Car During Monsoon: Consider adding these covers to your car insurance for extra protection during the monsoon.

• Engine Protection Cover: Covers the cost of repairing any damage to the car’s engine.

• Return to Invoice Cover: In the event of total loss, this cover provides compensation equal to the car's original purchase price.

• Consumables Cover: Covers the cost of replacing consumables like engine oil and coolant.

• Roadside Assistance Cover: Offers immediate assistance in case of a breakdown.

• Outstation Emergency Cover: Provides a cover if the vehicle breaks down in a city other than the one where it's insured.

• Zero Depreciation Cover: This cover ensures you get the full claim without any deduction for depreciation.

5 Tips to Wade Through Waterlogged Roads:

• Gauge Water Level: Don't enter if the water level is too high or if you can't see the road.

• Stay in the Centre: The water is usually shallower in the center of the road.

• Composed Driving: Maintain a steady speed to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe.

• Avoid Hydrostatic Lock: Don’t try to start your vehicle if it stalls in a waterlogged area, this can lead to a hydrostatic lock.

• Don’t Panic: Stay calm, follow the guidelines, and you will make it through the flooded roads.

Keep this guide handy as you navigate through the monsoon season. Safe and mindful driving, along with proper vehicle care, can help you weather any storm!

Helpline and Contact Information for Monsoon-Related Concerns

At Acko, we understand the challenges our valued customers face affected by heavy monsoons in various parts of our country. We are here to provide immediate assistance and support to address any difficulties or queries you may have regarding your vehicle insurance claim related to the cyclone. For any monsoon-related concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch with our helpline number mentioned below:

• Email: [email protected]

• Call: 1800 266 2256 (toll-free)

Helpline Details - Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan

• Name: Bharvi Sharma

• Contact Number: 8076241836

• E-mail id: [email protected]

Helpline Details - Delhi, Uttar Pradesh

• Name: Satveer Gola

• Contact Number: 7304586167

• E-mail id: [email protected]

Helpline Details - Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Haryana

• Name: Satish Yadav

• Contact Number: 7710012564

• E-mail id: [email protected]

* For any other issues/escalations, please get in touch with our Senior Nodal Officer, Narender Jain, via call at +91-9136905857 or through e-mail at [email protected].