Don’t try your luck with the Rains! Here are 5 Ways the Rains Can Be a Danger to Your Car & How to Halt Them

That this year’s rains have been unusually heavy is not news. The massive flooding that has resulted in many parts of the country continue to be a subject of discourse in many quarters considering the untold havoc it has wreaked on lives and properties around the country. Though the rains are now lighter in some parts of the country, one sure victim of rainfall, whether heavy or not, is your vehicle.

Rain affects vehicle performance in many ways than one. For instance, rainy weather conditions put a lot of strain on your vehicle, negatively affecting its performance and necessitating regular servicing and maintenance. That is not all. The following are potential ways the rains can be a danger to your car, and the maintenance tips you need to embrace:

Reduces your car battery performance

Your car battery is one an essential part of your car, which determines its performance. During the rainy season, your battery will be put under immense pressure, as you will most likely be using your wipers and hazard lights a lot. A study carried out on vehicle performance showed that many drivers experience battery-related problems during the rainy season more than any other time of the year. If you find it difficult to start your car, or your battery shows signs of bloating, it is probably time to change your battery. After all, spending money on a new battery is better than a broken down vehicle in the rain.

Makes braking difficult

The rains cause slippery roads that make stopping your car difficult. For your safety and the safety of other road users, it is important for you to have your brake pads examined during the rainy season in order to prevent avoidable accidents. Also, inspect your brake fluid and ensure that it still has a fresh golden colour. If it is dark brown or black, it is time for a replacement.

Corrodes your vehicle bodywork

After driving in a heavy rain, it is very likely your car will be covered in dirt and other debris. To ensure that these sediments do not contaminate your car’s finish, it is very important for you to wash, wax and dry your car after driving in the rain. Although rainwater may wash away dirt on your car, it can also cause damage to your car because the slightly acidic nature of the rain can cause corrosion to your bodywork, leading to rust. Water spots can also develop if the car is left to air dry, causing sediments to harden and potentially damage your paintwork.

Wears out wiper blades

The blades of your windshield wiper need to be replaced yearly, as most of them get worn out due to regular use. Rainfall naturally increases the need for you to use the wipers regularly. When the wiper blades become dry and worn out, they leave behind streak marks as they move along the glass. This streak marks can over time cause permanent damage to your windshield, limiting your visibility in the rain. Also, your windshield washer fluid should be checked and topped up if required.

Blurs your vision

Driving in the rain may cause your windows to fog up and create a blurred image across your windshield. This can endanger the vehicle and its driver if not properly managed. It is advisable to use the air conditioning system to dehumidify the air inside your vehicle. If you don’t have an air conditioner, it’s not a problem. Just ensure that you open the rear windows a bit to allow air to circulate.

Because the driver behind you may be having same vision issues, it is important that you make your vehicle visible by turning on the rear lights. The brightness of the rear lights will enhance the ability of the driver behind you to spot your vehicle with ease. This way, you can avoid being hit from behind.

Though we all know that accidents do happen even when we are most careful, it is very important you adhere to these safety tips. In the light of the potential danger the rains portend for your vehicles, Leadway’s Auto Plan is your best bet to provide protection for your vehicle(s). The Leadway Auto Plan (LAP) is an insurance plan designed to provide a range of benefits for any level of cover you may choose for your vehicle(s).

This comprehensive motor insurance covers loss of or accidental damage to your insured vehicle and also indemnifies for damage to third party vehicles/properties, as well as third party personal injury or death arising as a result of any accident from the use of the insured vehicle(s).

The Leadway Auto Plan offers a range of silver, gold, platinum and bronze plans, which cover accidental damage to your vehicle, loss or damage by theft/fire, damage to third party properties, third party bodily injury or death.

Also, in case your vehicle breaks down, your policy under Leadway’s Auto Plan bears the reasonable cost of towing the damaged vehicle for up to ₦30,000.00.

For more information on the Leadway Auto Plan and other insurance policies in our offerings call our customer care lines on (01) 2800 700, 2800 701, 0908 404 0404, 0812 999 7070 or send an email to [email protected]

Do not try your luck with the rains.

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