Easy steps to rescue your car in the rain
Rains are back. Though this means respite from the hot weather, it also means water logging on the roads, traffic jams and increased maintenance for your car. Many of us are unaware of the risks of driving in standing water and the damage it can cause to your car. For instance, while driving in water above tyre level, water can enter your car engine and cause heavy damage. This phenomenon is called hydro-static lock and is one of the most common reasons for damage to vehicle engines in monsoons.
Bajaj Allianz offers add-on covers such as Engine Protector, to protect you in such situations.
Safety tips during monsoons are as below:
To avoid damage to your car in rain and flood situations, here are some things to keep in mind while driving through water logged areas:
· Situation 1: When water level is above the tyre level
Don’t attempt to cross the water. Stop driving as the force of the water is greater than the weight of your vehicle.
· Situation 2: When water level is below the tyre level and driving is inevitable
1. Shift to first gear
2. Step on the accelerator to increase engine RPM and avoid blockage of the silencer by water.
3. In case you need to reduce the speed, use the clutch but don’t reduce engine speed
4. After crossing the flooded area, continue to accelerate engine to clean the silencer.
· Situation 3: When the vehicle is submerged in water
1. Do not attempt to start the vehicle by any means (kick or push starter). This can cause severe damage to the engine.
2. Get the vehicle inspected by an expert technician to check damages, transmission, electrical and electronic components
· Situation 4: When the vehicle is submerged in water for a long time
1. Replace all the lubricants and fluids
2. Check for proper operations of systems and mechanisms
3. Apply anti-rust and anti-fungal spray for its restoration
General safety tips during monsoon driving:
§ Allocate more travel time – The roads are wet during the rains so you should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal. Consider that traffic is also likely to be moving slower. There is also a possibility that your pre-planned route may be flooded or jammed.
§ If you see a large puddle ahead while driving, drive around it or choose a different route. The puddle could be deeper than it seems and may be a pothole hiding under the water. This cause damage to the wheel or knock your suspension out of alignment. Driving through the puddle can cause water splashing into your car’s engine compartment and damage internal electrical systems. If you can't gauge the depth, or if it's covering up the side curb, try to avoid it.
§ While traveling in rain, check wiper motor and blade, brakes, windshield glass, tyres etc. for proper functioning.
§ Brake sooner and softer than you would normally. This increases the stopping distance between you and the car in front, and also lets the driver behind you know that you are slowing down. Also, be sure to indicate that you are turning and navigate curves and turns slower than you would in dry conditions.
§ Use headlights even if it is light shower. It helps you see the road as well as other motorists to see you. However, stay on low beam as high beams will obscure your view further in rain or fog. If your car is equipped with fog lights, you can find it helpful to turn these on, as they throw a little extra light on the road while making your car easier to see.
§ Watch out for pedestrians and slower moving vehicles on the road like bicycles, rickshaws, carts etc. A pedestrian may become distracted by fiddling with an umbrella. Plus, raindrops deaden sound, so it may be difficult to gauge the car distances by the horn or other sounds. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
§ Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on the air conditioning and defrosters. You can also open up your front windows for a few centimeters to defog the windows.
In case of a claim, tips for faster settlement:
· Keep a copy of your vehicle insurance policy at a safe place where it does not get wet, say at home or office with at least the policy number. Keep the phone numbers of your insurer’s call center handy to register a claim or request for 24x7 roadside assistance. Bajaj Allianz can be contacted on toll-free number 1800-209-5858
Rains are back. Though this means respite from the hot weather, it also means water logging on the roads, traffic jams and increased maintenance for your car. Many of us are unaware of the risks of driving in standing water and the damage it can cause to your car. For instance, while driving in water above tyre level, water can enter your car engine and cause heavy damage. This phenomenon is called hydro-static lock and is one of the most common reasons for damage to vehicle engines in monsoons.
Bajaj Allianz offers add-on covers such as Engine Protector, to protect you in such situations.
Safety tips during monsoons are as below:
To avoid damage to your car in rain and flood situations, here are some things to keep in mind while driving through water logged areas:
· Situation 1: When water level is above the tyre level
Don’t attempt to cross the water. Stop driving as the force of the water is greater than the weight of your vehicle.
· Situation 2: When water level is below the tyre level and driving is inevitable
1. Shift to first gear
2. Step on the accelerator to increase engine RPM and avoid blockage of the silencer by water.
3. In case you need to reduce the speed, use the clutch but don’t reduce engine speed
4. After crossing the flooded area, continue to accelerate engine to clean the silencer.
· Situation 3: When the vehicle is submerged in water
1. Do not attempt to start the vehicle by any means (kick or push starter). This can cause severe damage to the engine.
2. Get the vehicle inspected by an expert technician to check damages, transmission, electrical and electronic components
· Situation 4: When the vehicle is submerged in water for a long time
1. Replace all the lubricants and fluids
2. Check for proper operations of systems and mechanisms
3. Apply anti-rust and anti-fungal spray for its restoration
General safety tips during monsoon driving:
§ Allocate more travel time – The roads are wet during the rains so you should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal. Consider that traffic is also likely to be moving slower. There is also a possibility that your pre-planned route may be flooded or jammed.
§ If you see a large puddle ahead while driving, drive around it or choose a different route. The puddle could be deeper than it seems and may be a pothole hiding under the water. This cause damage to the wheel or knock your suspension out of alignment. Driving through the puddle can cause water splashing into your car’s engine compartment and damage internal electrical systems. If you can't gauge the depth, or if it's covering up the side curb, try to avoid it.
§ While traveling in rain, check wiper motor and blade, brakes, windshield glass, tyres etc. for proper functioning.
§ Brake sooner and softer than you would normally. This increases the stopping distance between you and the car in front, and also lets the driver behind you know that you are slowing down. Also, be sure to indicate that you are turning and navigate curves and turns slower than you would in dry conditions.
§ Use headlights even if it is light shower. It helps you see the road as well as other motorists to see you. However, stay on low beam as high beams will obscure your view further in rain or fog. If your car is equipped with fog lights, you can find it helpful to turn these on, as they throw a little extra light on the road while making your car easier to see.
§ Watch out for pedestrians and slower moving vehicles on the road like bicycles, rickshaws, carts etc. A pedestrian may become distracted by fiddling with an umbrella. Plus, raindrops deaden sound, so it may be difficult to gauge the car distances by the horn or other sounds. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
§ Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on the air conditioning and defrosters. You can also open up your front windows for a few centimeters to defog the windows.
In case of a claim, tips for faster settlement:
· Keep a copy of your vehicle insurance policy at a safe place where it does not get wet, say at home or office with at least the policy number. Keep the phone numbers of your insurer’s call center handy to register a claim or request for 24x7 roadside assistance. Bajaj Allianz can be contacted on toll-free number 1800-209-5858
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