Taking care of your car, especially during heavy downpours, is just like taking care of your body — it goes a long way when done right. Driving during the rainy season is quite cumbersome. Here are some tips to keep your vehicle in pristine condition.

Clean that windshield

Most accidents are attributed to poor visibility. I know, I’ve been in one. After letting the rainwater dry up in your windshield, the mineral deposits accumulate and turn into dirt. This kind of neglect often leads to accidents, which is why it’s important to properly clean your windshield.

It pays off to have it cleaned on a regular basis, hopefully avoiding that build-up of dirt and dust. Or better yet, invest in window detailing. After all, a clean window gives you a better view of your surroundings.

Don’t forget to check your wipers

Part of maintenance is checking your wiper blades since they’re responsible for keeping your windshield and rear windows free from water and other contaminants. Since it can last anywhere from six months to a year (on average), you can always give a look and check if they’re due for replacement.

Clean those headlamps, too!

Having well-maintained headlights is a must during heavy downpours. It’s important to achieve optimum visibility during rain showers. Headlamps can get hazy or cloudy over time due to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and built-up grime (ew).

Some people would think the sole purpose of cleaning the headlamp is for appearance, but the truth is it should be regularly cleaned to maintain its proper function. Having clean headlamps will provide you with a well-lit pathway while driving in the rain.

Furthermore, you should always check your headlight bulbs for damages or if they need replacement.

Pay attention to your car’s battery

Have you experienced difficulty starting your car… in the middle of the road… in a heavy downpour? *panics internally*

This situation can be avoided if you pay attention to your car battery’s lifespan, which sometimes gets shorter due to the corrosion caused by humidity and potential droplets splashing during the rainy season. When the symptoms kick in, it’s about time you get ready lest you find yourself stranded.

Assess the quality of your tires

Make it a practice — or a habit — to ensure proper inflation every two weeks. Over- or under-inflated tires can lead to reduced traction and early wear. And we all know (or maybe you don’t) that vehicle traction is important to have that maximum gripping power during the rainy season. Yes, it can only be achieved when you have well-maintained tires.

Also, don’t forget to check the tire pressure of your spare!

Brake check, please!

Most accidents happen because brakes fail — but whose fault is that? Brakes take longer to dry during rainy situations. If you notice any squeaking or any grinding noises while braking, it’s clearly a sign you should have your vehicle checked immediately. What if your brake pads need a replacement?

Moreover, braking in the rain doesn’t work as quickly as it would on a dry or humid day. Remember to drive slower than usual and set a distance in between cars. Let go of that bumper-to-bumper traffic. We’re not Ariana Grande on “Honeymoon Avenue”.

Find the right car insurance

Prevention is better than cure. We’ve all heard that — and that’s primarily what insurance offers. It’s always better to be ready than sorry. For peace of mind, you should trust the right insurance for your vehicle.

For instance, there’s the Honda SENSING Insurance that’s available for Honda vehicles equipped with Honda SENSING such as the All-New HR-V, All-New Civic, CR-V, Accord, and the Civic Type R.

Honda partnered with AXA Philippines and BPI MS Insurance to offer preferential rates (starting at PhP 2,119 per month) for comprehensive insurance to customers who will purchase models with Honda’s advanced safety technology. Of course, there are different car insurance available, and programs like this are limited since this one, in particular, is being offered until December 31, 2022.

Again, it’s important to find the right car insurance. There are plenty, so research, learn a lot of details, and trust your instinct if it’s the right one. You know what’s best for your baby.

Wash and wax your car

I know it seems pointless to clean your car if it’s going to get dirty again, but it’s still rewarding to do so. Admittedly, I used to have that mindset until I’ve practiced rigorous self-care and started believing that if I made strenuous efforts to take care of my body, it should apply to my personal stuff too — gadgets, cars, appliances, furniture, et al.

Adding a protective layer of wax can help keep rain marks from forming, and makes it easier to clean the car after the rain. Seriously, it’s not just plain cosmetics at all. Wash and wax it up, folks!