Car Care Tips During the Rainy Season

The rainy season is upon us once again. With the dry season ending, car owners should be prepared for the wet weather which is known to last for almost half a year. The dark clouds are not just there to bring raindrops, they also pose several threats to your car, especially now that flash floods seem to be a common occurrence in the Philippines. To help our readers cope with the upcoming climate, Carmudi Philippines has prepared a car care tips checklist, so you can ensure that your car is rainy season-ready.

1. Clean Your Headlights, Windshields and Windows

Visibility is one of the most basic necessities for a car driver. Make sure that the above mentioned car components are clean and free of spots that could hinder your view of the road. For your headlights, check whether they are working properly and replace the bulb if it produces a poor amount of light. In Addition, check to see if your electric windows are working- you don't want yourself or your passengers to get wet.  

2. Change Your Wiper Blades

Your wipers may not have seen much action during the summer months, but now is the time for them to shine. Always change your wiper blades every other year by either changing the rubber part of the blade or having the entire blade replaced, to ensure constant visibility. Leading brands of wiper blades usually cost P550 to P1,200, depending on their size.

3. Check Your Battery

Your car’s battery is its lifeline and even perhaps your own. Recent automotive studies stated that many drivers experience battery-related problems during the rainy season. During rainy days they undergo immense pressure from the headlights, air conditioning, wipers and even radio being turned on all at once. Have a mechanic test your battery to determine whether it is still up for the job in terms of output and charging time.  An average sized car battery costs around P2500.  

4. Are Your Brakes Working?

Brakes are just as important as the previous items in the car care tips checklist. Always have your brake system checked by a car care specialist. Make sure that the brake pads still have enough friction material and the brake discs’ thickness still complies with the manufacturer’s specs. Your brake fluid should still have that golden color; and if it looks like fish sauce, it's time to replace it.  

5. Inflate Your Tires Properly

Always ensure that your tires have the right amount of pressure as stated in the car’s manual. On a slippery road, your tires are the only things that come between your car and the concrete or asphalt below. To avoid your car from swerving, make sure they have enough tread depth and grooves left before hitting the road. Also, don’t forget to have your wheels aligned to help the car avoid visible obstructions such as potholes and bumps which are usually submerged in water during the rainy season.