How to take care of your car in the rainy season?
One of the conditions that make your car more likely to give you a headache is a rain.
WHAT RISKS THREATEN YOUR CAR IN RAINY CONDITIONS? Even if you are an experienced driver, a drizzle could cause you to skid and crash.
Not to mention an intense storm: excess water limits your vision and makes braking much slower, which is why during a storm crashes increase. However, these are not the only risks in storm conditions: strong winds can knock down tree limbs or billboards. Hail can dent the bodywork or break the glass.
In a flood you can damage tires, rims, or the suspension in a pothole, to derail the engine.
1.1. What other factors affect my car beside the rain?
Other risks that rain causes for your car arise if:
Although the shade protects your car from the sun, in rainy weather there are risks due to falling branches.
You can suffer from a slight scratch to a total loss due to a falling branch.
It collects under vehicles and retains moisture. If you let it build-up, it will rust metal parts of the car.
If this happens, it is better to remove it as quickly as possible, including the wheels because the mud causes cracks.
- Scratches and other minor damage
If your car has previous damage, the effects of rain aggravate it, for example, an existing scratch could enlarge or rust the sheet.
In case you cannot repair them beforehand, take care that they do not get worse after the rains.
1.2. Are the interiors also damaged?
Although the interior of the car does not get wet directly from the rain, it can suffer the effects of humidity.
That a car looks sloppy, feels sticky, or gives off an unpleasant smell are some of its harmful effects.
If it also has accumulated dust, the effect of humidity is worse, as it could favor the appearance of fungi.
SOME TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING A STORM
2.1. For better handling
2.1.1. Drive in the center lanes
A flood regularly starts inside lanes or retaining walls on highways.
On wet roads, you can hit a deep pothole and damage the bodywork or skid due to a lack of contact between the tires and the surface.
2.1.2. Extend the distance that separates you from the rest of the cars
You gain more space to stop if someone suddenly brakes.
2.1.3. Use flashing lights and slow down
In a storm, the lights help locate other cars. Keep a constant speed, but not excessively low.
2.1.4. Apply the brakes periodically
This mechanism allows you to “dry” the brakes in case of flooding so that you can check that they are still in good condition.
2.1.5. Never stop in a flood
Crossing a puddle can be scary, but keep up the speed so your brakes don't lock up and the car stalls. If the water level is high, water could enter the engine and cause it to stall or run poorly.
2.1.6. Cross ponds with caution
Keep your distance from the car in front to stop if you hit a deep pothole. If a vehicle becomes swamped, it loses all traction and can be swept away.
2.2 For a better visibility
2.2.1. Use a good liquid to clean the windshield
The special liquid helps you to wash away the dirt that falls with the rain and improves the visibility of the windshield.
2.2.2. Defog your windows with air conditioning
Cold air is the best to remove the steam that fogs up your crystals and prevents your hands from sweating.
2.2.3. Properly maintain windshield wipers
Having good pens is a basic but extremely important element: check and change them frequently.
WHAT IS HYDROPLANING?
The phenomenon where the tires lose grip with the surface due to the formation of a layer of water that causes skids.
It occurs by collapsing the capacity of the expulsion of liquid in the tires and a film separates them from the pavement.
To prevent it, it is essential to check that the tires do not lose their pattern due to wear and to keep them properly inflated.
An over-inflated tire loses its gripping ability, especially when it rains. Low inflation deforms it and causes loss of grip. The ideal is to respect the manufacturer's specifications.
WHAT IS THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA COVERAGE OF THE CAR INSURANCE?
The broad or plus coverage insurances contain the Material Damages section. This clause protects your vehicle against risks derived from phenomena related to the atmosphere.
That is, it protects your car from damage such as:
- Cyclone
- Hurricane
- Hail
- Avalanche
- Landslide or rocks
- Fall of trees or their branches
- Transportation, grounding, sinking, derailment, or fall of the means of transport in which the vehicle is transported
- If your car is transported by sea, it could be euthanized by a general breakdown (thrown overboard to avoid a shipwreck)
4.1. Deductible
If the vehicle is damaged by these risks, the deductible is 5% of the Material Damage coverage.
4.2. exclusions
Material damage is a package that includes, in addition to hydrometeorological phenomena, shocks, seismic phenomena, glass breakage, among others.
It is sold in a package because it is a great compendium of coverage and its price is cheaper.
Some insurers offer to remove coverage with little probability of happening. However, omitting them does not significantly reduce the price.
The risks that are excluded in this coverage are:
- Faults or breakdowns due to natural wear and tear of the vehicle or any of its parts
- Damage caused to the vehicle by its load
- Failures caused by normal tidal rise, even when causing flooding
- Damage to the vehicle as a result of the intentional action of the insured
- Losses or damages caused to the vehicle by traveling off roads or highways that are closed or impassable
- The weakening in the lower parts of the engine due to water penetration and the insured has not stopped the vehicle
4.3. Additional coverage
Some insurers protect against risks such as the above-mentioned undermining.
There is also coverage for damage to wheels and tires when they are rendered useless by a bump on sidewalks and potholes.
This coverage is important in a place that experiences deep flooding and potholes in the rainy season.
CONCLUSION
In risky seasons for your vehicle, such as the rainy season, you must drive your car with caution.
However, the risks we describe are too many to rely on your driving skills alone.
There are factors beyond your control that could cause an accident and damage your car or other people.
That is why you must have broad coverage, not only to protect yourself in case you harm third parties.
It's best to have robust coverage to include the repairs your car requires in the event of an accident.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR IN THE RAINY SEASON?
How to take care of your car in the rainy season?
One of the conditions that make your car more likely to give you a headache is a rain.
WHAT RISKS THREATEN YOUR CAR IN RAINY CONDITIONS? Even if you are an experienced driver, a drizzle could cause you to skid and crash.
Not to mention an intense storm: excess water limits your vision and makes braking much slower, which is why during a storm crashes increase. However, these are not the only risks in storm conditions: strong winds can knock down tree limbs or billboards. Hail can dent the bodywork or break the glass.
In a flood you can damage tires, rims, or the suspension in a pothole, to derail the engine.
1.1. What other factors affect my car beside the rain?
Other risks that rain causes for your car arise if:
Although the shade protects your car from the sun, in rainy weather there are risks due to falling branches.
You can suffer from a slight scratch to a total loss due to a falling branch.
It collects under vehicles and retains moisture. If you let it build-up, it will rust metal parts of the car.
If this happens, it is better to remove it as quickly as possible, including the wheels because the mud causes cracks.
If your car has previous damage, the effects of rain aggravate it, for example, an existing scratch could enlarge or rust the sheet.
In case you cannot repair them beforehand, take care that they do not get worse after the rains.
1.2. Are the interiors also damaged?
Although the interior of the car does not get wet directly from the rain, it can suffer the effects of humidity.
That a car looks sloppy, feels sticky, or gives off an unpleasant smell are some of its harmful effects.
If it also has accumulated dust, the effect of humidity is worse, as it could favor the appearance of fungi.
SOME TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING A STORM
2.1. For better handling
2.1.1. Drive in the center lanes
A flood regularly starts inside lanes or retaining walls on highways.
On wet roads, you can hit a deep pothole and damage the bodywork or skid due to a lack of contact between the tires and the surface.
2.1.2. Extend the distance that separates you from the rest of the cars
You gain more space to stop if someone suddenly brakes.
2.1.3. Use flashing lights and slow down
In a storm, the lights help locate other cars. Keep a constant speed, but not excessively low.
2.1.4. Apply the brakes periodically
This mechanism allows you to “dry” the brakes in case of flooding so that you can check that they are still in good condition.
2.1.5. Never stop in a flood
Crossing a puddle can be scary, but keep up the speed so your brakes don't lock up and the car stalls. If the water level is high, water could enter the engine and cause it to stall or run poorly.
2.1.6. Cross ponds with caution
Keep your distance from the car in front to stop if you hit a deep pothole. If a vehicle becomes swamped, it loses all traction and can be swept away.
2.2 For a better visibility
2.2.1. Use a good liquid to clean the windshield
The special liquid helps you to wash away the dirt that falls with the rain and improves the visibility of the windshield.
2.2.2. Defog your windows with air conditioning
Cold air is the best to remove the steam that fogs up your crystals and prevents your hands from sweating.
2.2.3. Properly maintain windshield wipers
Having good pens is a basic but extremely important element: check and change them frequently.
WHAT IS HYDROPLANING?
The phenomenon where the tires lose grip with the surface due to the formation of a layer of water that causes skids.
It occurs by collapsing the capacity of the expulsion of liquid in the tires and a film separates them from the pavement.
To prevent it, it is essential to check that the tires do not lose their pattern due to wear and to keep them properly inflated.
An over-inflated tire loses its gripping ability, especially when it rains. Low inflation deforms it and causes loss of grip. The ideal is to respect the manufacturer's specifications.
WHAT IS THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA COVERAGE OF THE CAR INSURANCE?
The broad or plus coverage insurances contain the Material Damages section. This clause protects your vehicle against risks derived from phenomena related to the atmosphere.
That is, it protects your car from damage such as:
4.1. Deductible
If the vehicle is damaged by these risks, the deductible is 5% of the Material Damage coverage.
4.2. exclusions
Material damage is a package that includes, in addition to hydrometeorological phenomena, shocks, seismic phenomena, glass breakage, among others.
It is sold in a package because it is a great compendium of coverage and its price is cheaper.
Some insurers offer to remove coverage with little probability of happening. However, omitting them does not significantly reduce the price.
The risks that are excluded in this coverage are:
4.3. Additional coverage
Some insurers protect against risks such as the above-mentioned undermining.
There is also coverage for damage to wheels and tires when they are rendered useless by a bump on sidewalks and potholes.
This coverage is important in a place that experiences deep flooding and potholes in the rainy season.
CONCLUSION
In risky seasons for your vehicle, such as the rainy season, you must drive your car with caution.
However, the risks we describe are too many to rely on your driving skills alone.
There are factors beyond your control that could cause an accident and damage your car or other people.
That is why you must have broad coverage, not only to protect yourself in case you harm third parties.
It's best to have robust coverage to include the repairs your car requires in the event of an accident.
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