8 Essential car care tips for the rainy season
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. shares essential car care tips to keep you safe during the rainy season. These points will also help ensure the pristine condition of your vehicle and help you have peace of mind come the heavy downpours.
Clean your car’s windshield properly
Visibility is important, especially when driving in a heavy downpour. Aside from wading through floods and running the risk of hydroplaning, some accidents can be attributed to poor visibility. Once rainwater dries up, it leaves mineral deposits behind which will accumulate and then turn into dirt if you do not clean immediately. This is why it is critical to properly clean your windshield.
Having clean windows is also as important to help you drive safely so you have a better view of your surroundings. You could either invest in window detailing or have it cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the build up of dirt and dust.
Inspect your windshield wipers
Next to the windshield are your wipers, as they are responsible for keeping your windshield and rear windows free from water and other contaminants. Part of their maintenance is checking the wiper blades and determining if they’re already due for replacement. Windshield wiper blades can last anywhere from 6 months to a year on average, once the time has come, you’ll be needing to replace the blades in order to achieve a good view of the road even during challenging conditions.
Maintain your headlamps
Heavy downpours can affect your on-road visibility, which is why having well-maintained headlights is a must, allowing you to achieve optimum visibility during rain showers. Like your car’s windshield, headlamps can also get hazy or cloudy over time due to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and built-up grime. To avoid this, it is highly advised to have your headlamps regularly cleaned, not only for their sole appearance, but also to maintain their proper function, allowing you to achieve a well-lit pathway during rainy chapters. Make sure to check your headlight bulbs for damages or if they need replacement. Always use the correct bulb specification on your headlights.
Check your car’s battery
A car battery’s lifespan could possibly be shortened due to the corrosion caused by humidity and potential droplets splashing about during the rainy season. Difficulty in starting your car or not being able to turn on the lights are some of the symptoms of battery power shortage. Once experienced, it is highly advised to have your car battery replaced immediately, allowing you to avoid getting stranded in the middle of a heavy downpour.
Assess the quality of your tires
Vehicle traction is important, and maximum gripping power during the rainy season is achieved by having well-maintained tires. Admittedly, this rewards the driver and its passengers with better safety, as having adequate tread allows the vehicle to move the excess water away from the tires, which should reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
Therefore, ensure proper inflation about every two weeks because over or under-inflated tires can lead to reduced traction and early wear. You can find the recommended tire pressure listed near the driver’s door and on the owner’s manual. Oh and don’t forget to also check the tire pressure of your spare! Never let your tires go past their life, instead, have the urge to replace them immediately for safety.
Always do a brake check
Brakes take longer to dry during rainy situations. That said, it’s important to have them checked from time to time in order to ensure optimal condition. Obtain brake services according to vehicle manufacturer specifications. If you notice any squeaking or any grinding noises while braking, have your vehicle checked immediately as the brake pads might need a replacement. Do take note that braking in the rain might not work as quickly as it would on a dry day, therefore, it’s best to drive slower than usual and set a further distance in between cars.
Wash and wax your car regularly
Aside from giving your beloved Honda a good bath, applying wax also adds an additional layer of paint protection to its paint. While it may seem a bit pointless to clean your car if it's going to get dirty again, there are certain benefits that make it a rewarding practice. Adding a protective layer of wax can help keep rain marks from forming, plus, it also makes it easier to clean the car after the rain.
Find the right car insurance for your Honda
No doubt it is important to have the right vehicle insurance for your peace of mind. Of course, prevention of anything dreadful is still the best, but better to be ready than sorry for unwanted situations such as a sudden downpour that becomes inescapable for your vehicle.
That said, consider the Honda SENSING Insurance available for Honda vehicles equipped with Honda SENSING such as the All-New HR-V, All-New Civic, CR-V, Accord, and the Civic Type R. With AXA Philippines and BPI MS Insurance, the Honda SENSING Insurance Partnership Program offers improved preferential rates for comprehensive insurance to customers who will purchase models with Honda’s advanced safety technology, the Honda SENSING. The insurance partnership program provides preferential rates for as low as P2,119* per month and is offered until December 31, 2022.
*Payment per month for 12 months on HR-V S CVT Honda SENSING via BPI MS
Remember to always stay alert on the road, observe the recommended periodic maintenance service for your vehicle, and follow these essential car care tips for a less hassle and worry-free drive during the rainy season. For more information about Honda’s latest offers and vehicles, visit Honda’s VIRTUAL SHOWROOM or any Honda Cars dealership near you.
