Car Protection Tips
Monsoon in India presents challenges for many car owners. While the rains provide a cooling effect, there is also no denying the fact that monsoon weather can have many negative effects on your car's paint, tires, inside parts and even metallic surfaces.
If you leave your car out in the open streets, parking or partly covered sheds, monsoon weather can lead to some common issues like damage to your car paint, rust formation, and mold and mildew growth, along with the accumulation of road dust.
Luckily, all of these issues can be easily prevented with appropriate monsoon car protection tips and practices.
So, how to protect your car during monsoon in India? In this post, we'll look at everything you need to know about protecting your car in the rainy season.
Why Monsoon Weather Can Damage Your Car
Water that falls during the monsoon season in India is never pure. It might get mixed with dust and other forms of pollution before it reaches your car. This will result in your car becoming exposed to various contaminants, which will stay on it for a long period of time and can cause your paint to fade and corrode.
In the monsoon season, your car becomes vulnerable to:
- Corrosion on the exposed metals.
- Build-up of dirt and mud.
- Mould and mildew due to presence of moisture.
- Moisture in rubber components.
- Water damage to the electrical components.
- Fade of paint due to contamination.
- Formation of watermarks and stains.
Following some preventative steps in the monsoon can save you from having to get car detailing done in the future.
Worst Practices to Protect Your Car in Monsoon
Some times the wrong practice in covering your car can cause you more trouble than good.
1. Use of Plastic Tarpaulins and Polythene Sheets
Even though a plastic sheet seems to provide quick relief from rain water, but it is definitely not made for covering cars.
When moisture gets trapped in between the sheet and the car, it creates a humid environment. Without any provision for ventilation, the humidity may cause fungal growth and bad odour.
Instead of taking chances with a random plastic sheet, use a breathable and waterproof car cover specially designed for vehicles.
2. Use of Old Bed Sheets and Cotton Cloths
Even though old bed sheets might seem cheap at first glance, they tend to soak up moisture.
The cloth tends to stay moist for a longer time which causes discoloration of the car paint and deposition of dirt.
Covering your car with a bed sheet is not recommended especially if you leave it out in the open during the monsoon season.
3. Use of Loosely Fitted Car Cover
Car cover that keeps moving when exposed to wind continuously may tend to scratch the car paint.
Particles of dirt caught between the car cover and paint may result in the generation of friction and fine scratches.
For maximum car paint protection, a tightly fitted car cover having features like elasticated sides and locking mechanism can be considered.
4. Not Covering Your Car at All
Most people think that just by parking their cars under trees or shades will be adequate protection during monsoon period.
Trees may emit moisture after rainfall, besides having leaves, birds droppings and even tree saps which may stick to your car body.
In case you are parking your car outside, a car cover will give additional protection.
5. Purchasing Very Inexpensive and Poor Quality Car Covers
Inexpensive, cheaply made car covers may tend to tear due to strong winds and rainfall.
A high-quality car cover for Indian weather conditions is necessary.
Best Methods for Protection of Your Car from Monsoon Rain
1. Use High-Quality Water-Resistant Car Cover
Using a high-quality water-resistant car cover may be one of the simplest methods to ensure the protection of your parked car from monsoon rain.
It is important to pick a cover that will repel rain and have enough air circulation properties. A proper breathability will help to prevent excessive accumulation of moisture inside the cover.
If you are going to park your car outside, you should use a water-resistant cover for monsoon rains that will help to protect the vehicle from rainwater, dust, bird droppings and other external contamination.
2. Make Sure the Cover is Fitted Properly
Fit is important while selecting a car cover for rainy weather.
A properly fitted cover will stay on the car and will prevent any movements provoked by wind. Such features as elasticized edges, mirror pockets, antenna pockets, straps and locking systems may provide additional protection.
The best choice will be a cover that is specially made for your particular car model.
3. Protect Your Car Paint before the Monsoon
As the monsoon turns into its full form, it is advisable to apply the right type of wax or any other paint protector.
Applying a protective coating will enable water to bead on the surface and facilitate the easy removal of dirt and contaminants.
Washing coupled with car paint protection will ensure that the vehicle looks good even through the monsoon period.
4. Covered Parking Always Comes in Handy During Heavy Rainfall
Covered parking is always helpful during rainy days.
Nevertheless, covered parking does not guarantee protection against dust, humidity, bird droppings or any other contaminant. It is advisable to have a suitable car cover in case of outdoor parking for long periods of time.
5. Clean Your Car Frequently during Monsoon
One of the key monsoon car care tips is to ensure that you do not allow mud, dirt and contaminated rainwater to stay on your vehicle for a prolonged period of time.
Rinse the car frequently with clean water and then dry it off gently using a microfiber cloth.
It is always good to pay special attention to:
- Wheel arches
- Lower doors
- Underbody sections
- Tyres
- Windows
- Door edges
- Exterior trim
6. Don't Forget the Car Interior
Monsoon safety is not limited to the exterior.
Water shoes, umbrella and moisture will soon create a wet environment in your car interior. The cloth floor mats can soak up a lot of water and emit bad odor if kept wet.
For good protection of car interior during monsoon, one should go for easy-to-clean floor mats and keep a microfiber cloth in the car to clean the moisture from seats, dashboard, etc.
What to Look for While Selecting the Best Car Cover for Monsoon?
While buying the best car cover for rainy season, don't just rely on the price.
The following points should be kept in mind:
- Water-resistant material for protection from rain.
- Breathable structure to avoid moisture accumulation.
- Protection from UV rays due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- A snug fit to avoid movement.
- Elasticity in material for better fit.
- Pockets for mirrors and antenna.
- Locking mechanism.
- Sturdy stitching.
- Lightweight and washable fabric.
- Inner construction that protects your car from scratches.
These features make a car cover more ideal for Indian weather conditions.
Monsoon-proof Your Car With Neodrift Covers
In the matter of automobile protection during the monsoon, some accessories can go a long way in making things easy for you.
Car covers from Neodrift are made keeping in view the Indian climatic conditions and parking of vehicles outdoors. They offer protection from rain, dust, and sunlight while providing features that ensure proper fitment.
Along with the use of car floor mats and micro fiber cleaning agents, the use of a good car cover can go a long way in protecting your car during monsoon.
If your car is often parked in the open, using a good quality car cover which is water resistant will help shield your car from rain, dust and other environmental contaminants.
Conclusion
Monsoon car maintenance need not be difficult.
Do not cover your cars with plastic sheets, used bed sheets and other loose coverings. Instead, get yourself a breathable water-resistant car cover and stick to a proper cleaning schedule and take care of the interior as well as the exterior of the car.
Right from car paint protection and rust proofing to maintaining the interior and cleaning your vehicle, a few basic precautions will ensure that your car remains cleaner during the monsoon months in India.
Thus, if you wish to know how to protect your car during the monsoon, here are some useful tips – select a good car cover, clean your car regularly, park your vehicle safely under covered spots and avoid any accumulation of moisture and dirt in your vehicle.
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