Heavy rain in Hyderabad, How are you taking care of your car?

[Pralay]

In the last 10 days or so, the only sound I heard most is the sound of rain.

 

Heavy downpour in the city had made the road condition worst; some of the potholes are really dangerous.

 

This is the time when love for your car shows true colour and also this time you will get a taste of your driving skill.

 

So how are you taking care of your beloved car? Ain't you taking her outside due to rain? How well & safe are you driving?

 

Tell us your story here, share your experience & post your ideas or tips for safe driving.

[Gowtham]

Excellent post.

 

I drive Civic, which has long wheel base and low GC.

 

I am taking at least 2~3 under body hits per day.

Quote

With another depression forming in west-central Bay of Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department has said Hyderabadis will have to brace for five more days of rain, before a lull for some time.

 

Be prepared for the next week.

 

Few tips from side.

• Reduce the speed. It is easy to escape the potholes, It will help you avoid skidding and losing traction, Thanks to your roads filled with stones.
• Don't drive like you own the road, Do not splash water even it is raining.
• Avoid water logging areas as much as possible. When in doubt, always wait for a bigger vehicle, let it cross and do your analysis.
• Give other vehicles more space, most of them are on zig zag mode to avoid potholes.
• Hold off unnecessary trips.
• Keep a close eye on the Manhole covers.
• Know the roads, If you are on a commute to office, mark the bad areas in your mind. Stick to the lanes that are better.
• Make sure you don't park your car in low lying areas. Sometimes 30 minutes of rain is good enough to submerge your car.
• Start early to the office and leave early. (Less traffic is always an advantage)
• If your vehicle stalled avoid starting it. If you restart the damage will be huge.
• Take an alternate route, it is better to avoid water logging routes.
• If you see some caution boards/Poles/boulders on the roads. Don't ignore them by driving close to it.
• Drive slow and steady in the water logging areas, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

[Pralay]

Very well written.

Thanks for ur valuable tips.

 

Few more I would like to add:

 

1) dont change lane unnecessarily,plz use indicator well in advance if you wish to change.

Mere flashing indicator doesn't help other driver to know your mind. Please use well in advance.

 

2) Please dont flash hazard light just bcz its raining, it throws huge confusion while you are changing lanes, as you can't flash indicators separately.

 

If you wish to let others spot your vehicle use DRL(if any) or simple headlight. However, use hazard lights while you are standing at heavy rain.

 

3) For god sake, plz plz plz dont use high beam.It makes others total blind. 2 days ago I hit another vehicle cz I just couldn't see the edge of the vehicle.

 

Though it was minor hit, but I told straight away to the driver, "yeh toh hona hi tha, aise high beam lagake baki ko andha jo bana diya apne".

 

Gotta go for lunch.. catch u later..

[r413078]

Nice post guys.

This would be really helpful for everyone.

 

The reason why we need to take extra care of the car or take some preventive measures is because there are several factors which make driving unsafe during rains.

 

Would love to post a few points on which you may have missed out on.

 

1) Keep yourself away from distractions such as mobile phones and even entertainment like Radio to keep a close watch.

 

2) Keep a minimum of a good five car length from the car in front of you.

 

3) Be aware that the maximum speed at which you can drive is DIRECTLY related to your tires.

 

4) Be aware of hydroplaning. This is where your vehicle travels on top of the water and has NO or very little contact with the ground.

 

Your traction is reduced significantly. To safely get out of a hydroplaning situation let off the gas and steer straight or slightly in the direction you must go.

 

Do not make sudden motions and remain calm.

 

5) Avoid flooded roads. Never drive through standing or flowing water in a road way unless you have no choice or you are able to follow someone else to judge the depth of the water.

 

Note: The rains can also disrupt your car's electrical systems.

Have the workshop double-check all important connections such as the wiring for the battery and the alternator for proper insulation.

[balag]

Looks like you guys have covered every point. Awesome post ..

 

Thanks a lot for sharing.

 

Very informative and I have known some points i dint know after i read this post

[Gowtham]

Monsoon will begin soon.
Now my main concern is new underpass development in Hyderabad.

Any idea on how they are handling rain water?

[Naveen1]

13 hours ago, Ranger said:

Any idea on how they are handling rain water?

haha, I think drain system must be implemented.
The whole layout looks very modern, they must have some drain-out solution. 
Last week I passed via Raheja underpass during a moderate rain fall.
I did not find any trace of water logging.
Hope this helps!
 

[Gowtham]

Being road trip enthusiasts we all love driving in rain.

Few tips to keep our beloved car safe.

 

Driving tips in Rain

Reduce speed, roads are slippery in rain.

 

Avoid slippery/mud roads.

 

If your tires at the end-of-life, it is the best time to get a brand new set.

 

Change your wipers, they cost around 1k. Can be a life saver.

 

Don’t leave your windows open while you park outside.

 

Don’t park under trees.

 

If possible avoid night drives during monsoon.

 

Avoid water logging areas as much as possible. When in doubt, always wait for a bigger vehicle, let it cross and do your analysis.

 

 

Know the roads, If you are on a commute to office, mark the bad areas in your mind. Stick to the lanes that are better.

Make sure you don’t park your car in low lying areas. Sometimes a 30 minutes of rain is good enough to submerge your car.

 

Start early to the office and leave early. (Less traffic is always an advantage)

 

If your vehicle stalled due to water logging, avoid starting it. If you restart the damage will be huge.

 

Take an alternate route, it is better to avoid water logging routes.

 

If you see some caution boards/Poles/boulders on the roads. Don’t ignore them by driving close to it.

 

Drive slow in the water logging areas, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

 

Use low beam

[varunc]

Regarding wiper,
How often you guys change them?

I know for a new car they last at least two years!
Is it recommended to change them every year?