How to Keep Your Car Safe During Monsoon Season
It’s estimated that around half of Arizona’s annual rainfall comes down during the summer months of the year. Though everyone anticipates the arrival of monsoon season in Arizona, drivers can still be caught unprepared when a heavy rain seems to come out of nowhere.
Arizona Monsoon Storm Tips
While caution is your sharpest weapon, there are several preparations you can make to your vehicle itself to help you fight the rains when they come. Prepare yourself and your car for the next big monsoon storm, also known as a haboob, with some simple maintenance tasks.
#1 Be Good to Your Windshield
Make Sure it’s Free of Damage
Your windshield is literally your window to the road ahead. If there are any cracks obstructing your view, have them repaired or replace the whole windshield if necessary.
See also: How to Protect Your Car from the Arizona Heat
Check Your Washer Fluid & Wipers
It doesn’t take much rainwater to add a layer of film to your windshield. Keep the window clean, and make sure you always have enough windshield washer fluid in your car. Wipers should operate in a smooth motion and shouldn’t leave streaks. Replacing your wipers is an inexpensive way to drastically improve your visibility during heavy rain.
Ensure the A/C is Working Properly
Your A/C plays a big part in keeping your window free of moisture and fog. Not to mention, it’ll keep you comfortable during times of high heat and humidity. Have a professional perform an A/C check before monsoon season hits you hard.
#2 Stay Clean
Clean off the Muck
Driving around in monsoon weather will leave your car covered in dirt, twigs, and leaves. Don’t let any of this sit on your car for too long if you want to maintain the exterior’s polished finish. When you can, park your car in a covered lot or a garage. If you do have to leave it outside, make sure you remove any twigs or leaves regularly.
Polish the Headlights
In bad weather, you’ll rely on your headlights to keep you on the road. If your headlights are super cloudy and a quick wipe doesn’t do the trick, have them professionally cleaned inside and out. Not only do you need them for yourself, but other drivers will rely on your lights. When visibility is tough, it’s not uncommon to use the cars around you as a guide for where to go.
Protect the Interior
During monsoon season, you’ll track a lot of water in your car. Muddy boots will dirty your floor and your soaked jacket will get all over the seat. Invest in some nice rubber mats to repel the water better, and consider seat covers that you can remove and wash when they’re ready.
Avoid Using Car Covers
While your seats can benefit from rain resistant covers, your car’s exterior may not respond so well. A car cover seems like a good idea to keep it dry in the wet weather, but when moisture collects and then dries on your cover, it can actually do damage to the finish underneath.
#3 Be Good to Your Tires
Make Sure Your Tires Don’t Need Replacing
Have your tires inspected to make sure they’re still in good condition. The treads will wear over time, and if you don’t have good traction, it’ll be all too easy to lose control in heavy rain conditions.
Inflate them Properly
Check your car’s manual so you know the right PSI for your vehicle. Professionals will usually check while your car is in for other maintenance procedures, but know how to check it yourself so you’re covered in between repairs.
Keep a Spare
If you’ve never used your spare tire before, make sure you actually have one and know how to access it. You never know when you might get stuck in the middle of bad weather with a damaged tire. It’s also a good idea to review your contingency plan should you get stuck on the side of the road.
#4 Stay Cautious
Drive Slowly
No matter where you’re going or how soon you need to get there, use caution when driving in a haboob or equally bad weather. You never know when you might need to stop suddenly, and the slower you’re going, the safer you’ll be.
Have Your Brakes Checked
If you do have to stop suddenly, you want to know that your brakes will tolerate it. The brake system is complex and even one small problem can cause it to fail. Don’t play around with your brakes. They keep you alive during a dangerous situation.
Know When & How to Stop
If conditions get unbearable, it’s okay to pull over and stop. Once you’re safely on the side of the road, turn your lights off. Activating your hazards or keeping your lights on may confuse other drivers that are trying to see through low visibility.
Contact Your Local Chevy Dealer for Vehicle Recommendations
It’s never too early to prepare yourself for monsoon season. Keep your car safe, and it’ll keep you safe in return. Visit your nearest Chevrolet dealer to find vehicles you can truly depend on, rain or shine.
