7 parts of your car that need maintenance after driving in the rain
(Baonghean.vn) - It would be a mistake to think that cleaning and maintaining your car only after the rainy season is over to save time and money. When it rains, mud and dirty water will stick and damage many parts of the car.
Vehicle maintenance is needed immediately after each rain, especially the following parts.
1. Undercarriage
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The chassis is the part most affected by rainwater and dirty mud, causing rust and damage.
Newer cars have a coating of paint or anti-corrosion chemicals on the underside of the car. However, over time this coating loses its protective ability.
If the coating has aged, replace it with a new undercoating for better protection. Most professional car care centers now offer this service at a reasonable cost.
2. Wiper
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Wipers are an important part when driving in the rain, but this detail is rarely cared for and maintained.
After a long period of non-use, the wiper may no longer work effectively. The most common error on the wiper is that the rubber blade ages, loses its elasticity and cannot wipe away water. Therefore, this part should be checked and maintained to ensure visibility when driving in the rain.
Manufacturers recommend replacing the wiper blades after 12 - 18 months of use to ensure they are always in the best condition.
3. Brake system
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Because of its low position, the car's brake system is easily penetrated by mud and dirty water. Dirty rainwater containing acid will cause the car's brakes to rust. Typical phenomena are the handbrake being stuck due to being left in the rain for a long time, or the disc brake releasing slowly due to the rusty movable joint of the brake caliper.
4. Belt system
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Because the engine compartment where the belt is located is not completely sealed, when it rains, mud and dirty water can get inside, causing the belt to slip.
In addition to the annoying squealing noise, belt slippage occurs frequently, causing insufficient force to pull the air conditioning compressor, power steering or alternator.
If you find the belt is covered with mud or dirt, you can clean the belt and pulley with a clean cloth. Note, only do this when the engine is cold.
5. Steering gear
The steering rack is a part that is easily penetrated by water after the car has been in the rain. If you suspect water has penetrated the steering rack, it is best to take the car to a car service center for inspection.
6. Headlights
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Similar to the steering wheel, rainwater can also get into the headlights if there is a gap. Therefore, after driving in the rain, you should check the headlights. If you see condensation, turn on the lights for 10 minutes and monitor. If the condensation still persists, you should take the car to the nearest car maintenance center for inspection.
7. Tires
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When it rains, the road will be more slippery, if you move with a tire that is too worn, it will increase the risk of unsafety. Worn tires have a much longer acceleration/deceleration ability and braking distance than normal. And these two criteria will be reduced many times in slippery road conditions.
Therefore, you should check your tires regularly, preferably at the beginning of the rainy season.
