The rainy season is finally here! Every Filipino is advised to bring along their raincoats, umbrellas, and boots to help them stay dry when out. Those who drive, on the other hand, must also pack a huge amount of patience and the best car insurance in the Philippines as traffic conditions are getting increasingly worse. Apparently in Metro Manila, the heavier the rain, the heavier the traffic.
According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), this happens because of various road conditions brought about by the rain. For instance, flooding on major thoroughfares, road accidents, and the like instantly affect travel time. Given these reasons, one must always be prepared for such instances.
Here’s how you can ensure your safety when driving on a rainy day:
Examine Your Tires
Tires are one of the most important parts of a car. Check the tread regularly to ensure your safety while driving. Treads are made to create traction so you won’t end up losing control of your car during a downpour. Also, inflating it with the proper amount of pressure (as suggested in the manual) will guarantee your tires a longer life. Over or under inflating may result to wear causing damage. Driving poorly maintained tires can only lead to accidents.
Check Your Brakes
Your braking system is critical when getting your car to stop. Keep safe by having your brakes inspected by a trusted professional mechanic. Don’t hesitate to bring it in when you hear any squealing or grinding noises.
While at it, see to it that your car’s brake fluid level is still at the right amount and color. If it’s less than half an inch from the cap, add some more. But if it’s darker than its original gold color, have it replaced.
Change Your Wipers
It’s already difficult to drive during a heavy downpour. Don’t make it harder by having broken wipers and wiper blades due for a change! Have it replaced immediately should you notice any inefficiency as this can get in the way of your view of the road.
If you have an extra budget on hand, you can also apply hydrophobic wax on your windshield to make raindrops easily roll off of your windows.
Check Your Battery
It would certainly be such a hassle when you end up having a dead battery on the road while raining. Avoid this easily! There are telltale signs when your battery is due for changing. Apart from taking note of its usual lifespan, if it’s taking longer than usual to start your engine then it’s probably time to buy a new one. Before that, however, check your warranty. If it’s still within its warranty period, you can save on cost!
Make your rainy day drive safe and hassle-free with these tips. Couple it up with a comprehensive car insurance policy in the Philippines (for protection against unexpected incidents) and you’re definitely ready to drive away!
