So the monsoon is here and with it comes the nightmare for the vehicle owners. The roads all over the city are dug up. It presents a real challenge to the drivers. No doubt it is a pleasure to take a drive in the cool monsoon winds after the monotony of long, dry, dusty days, but do not throw caution to the winds. Now is the time to get set for some wet driving.

To start with, give your vehicle a pre-monsoon check. You can start with the engine. Ensure that the engine oil and filter are checked and changed as and when required. The level of the engine oil should be at a correct level. This should be checked with the dipstick when the engine cools down. The fuel system should be free from any leaks. The radiator should be full when the engine is in a cold condition. The tyres also need a close look. They should be inflated according to the recommended pressure. They should have a tread of not less then 2mm. The spare tyre in the boot also requires the same attention with respect to inflation and tread. Water and electricity are not the best of friends so all electrical problems must be sorted out before the monsoon really gets going. The exhaust systems also require a thorough check-up.

Visibility is vital in any case but more so when driving in rains. Ensure that the windshield, windows and mirrors on the car are properly cleaned and wipers are functional. Wiper blades should be in good working condition. Rain can do strange things to your vision. When it pours, you are unable to see properly through the windshield. Even the inside glass of your car, including the rear-view mirror mists up. And remember reversing requires more caution. It is a good idea to use headlights even during the daytime, specially when overcast skies and heavy downpours mar normal visibility. Lower the visibility, higher will be your concentration.

The brake system needs a second look. Use the brakes selectively. Check for any unusual vibration or one side pulling. Handbrake must be kept operational. While driving on slick surfaces use the brakes smoothly. Don’t forget to give you vehicle anti-corrosion treatment. More so in a city like Chennai.

The first monsoon showers are most dangerous for drivers. Remember that before it starts pouring. Most of our roads have a deposit of mud, dry leaves, oil, grease and garbage. The first showers don’t wash it away; instead it creates a slippery film on he road. This changes the friction characteristics of the road surface. Hence, if you zoom down on such roads savouring the delights of the changing season, you are likely to be caught in a skid.

Skids can be dangerous. They can also kill. There is an old Chinese proverb that says "go soothingly on the greasy mud for therein lurks the skid demon." Skidding is really an unpleasant experience especially if your own vehicle is involved. On wet and slippery surfaces, every time you accelerate sharply, brake quickly or steer suddenly, you can go into a skid. None other than you is responsible if you go into a skid. In most cases, skids do not happen, they are made. So reduce your speed, step up caution and be cool, calm and collected.

Yet another peculiar bur familiar and unfriendly hazard on our roads is the pothole. And more so during the monsoon, when it is invisible on waterlogged roads. Potholes at the least expected point take you not only by surprise but damage your vehicle and send it out of control.

Once you are on the road, be alert and play safe. Now you need more time to see and be seen. More time to react and more space to stop. Braking distances increase on wet roads because tyre grip is reduced. Look out for the pedestrians who concentrate more on protecting themselves from the rain than from the dangers on the road. Be careful about the kids who dash out onto the roads out of nowhere, especially during the rains. Don’t miss out the cyclists and the rickshaw pullers who get blinded by the rains.

Be careful with pools of water and flooded roads. If the water level is more than 10-12", don’t risk a watery grave. Water can get into the system, play havoc with your brakes and stop the engine.

It is better to avoid road congestion during rains, specially when the condition of our roads is what it is today. It can be easily achieved by the pooling system. It is good for your system and easy on your pocket too. It also gives you a break from serpentine queues and traffic jams. It is another story if you wish to listen to the Chennai Traffic Police broadcasts on AIR FM, waiting in the traffic jams. Sometimes they broadcast real good programmes like the one that dealt with road accidents last Sunday morning. It gave some real good information. It is rightly said "save for the rainy day" so save your casual leave for the rainy days. However, in case you have to go out, take due precautions and remember it is not bad weather that causes accidents but bad driving. It always pays to slow down when it is wet. Wish you a happy monsoon driving.