Rainy weather calls for regular vehicle pre-inspections
Inspecting a vehicle before driving to your destination is more crucial in wet weather.
A well-maintained vehicle engine is not all you need to safeguard you against road accidents. There are other parts that also need to be in good working condition, especially when driving in wet weather.
Edna de Sousa, Product and Marketing Manager of Auto Mart says that it is always wise to inspect your vehicle before driving to your destination.
“It is important to keep your car well-maintained. Handbrakes and windshield wipers are prime examples of parts that we don’t consider to be crucial – but they are.”
She says that windshield wipers need to be replaced every few months or when any cracks or rips appear.
“Test you handbrake regularly – you will need it in heavy traffic.”
The condition of a vehicle’s tyres also is crucial when driving in wet weather.
“When rubber gets wet, it gets slippery, which means that there is less friction between the tyres and the road, making it easier for the car to veer off – this of course will be exacerbated if the tread on your tyres is worn,” De Sousa explains.
“The law states that tyres must have at least 1mm tread, but in wet weather it should be three times as much.”
She advises that tyre pressure should be checked regularly and inflated as required.
“Most cars will have this information written on a sticker in the door jam, but the average petrol attendant should be able to advise you.”
Hitting water-logged potholes can cause tyres to burst, and forgetting to switch off the headlights can cause a run-down battery. Make sure that you have the tools you need to get yourself out of a jam.
“Every car should have a spare tyre, jumper cables and a jack in the boot,” says De Sousa.
“Be sure to check the condition of the spares every once in a while, and buy motor spare replacements when necessary.”
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