The rains this year were exceptionally heavy. There is hardly a car that did not have to go through knee-deep water. The latest cars these days, however, function quite well and chances are that you got home safely. Driving through water can at times damage your car and some of the damage does not show immediately. Your brakes will definitely need cleaning. If you have drums brakes, which are made of cast iron, they have a tendency to rust. If you have a squeak and squeal from your brakes, it is a sure sign they need cleaning. Check the brake lining on the shoes. Wash and clean the entire assembly. Have the confidence that the brakes will stop the car when required. The disk brakes at the front end should also be checked, cleaned and refitted. The disc pads may need sanding, and this again promises you good braking.
When did you last change the brake fluid? Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and with the excessive humidity, the brake fluid may get diluted. It is recommended that the brake fluid be changed once a year. Now would be a good time to do it.
Your wipers have been working overtime, wiping the excessive water off the windscreen. The rubber may have hardened and this could scratch the windscreen. Nothing ruins the looks of a car than a scratched windscreen. New wipers also promise perfect vision. A scratched windscreen reduces vision, especially at right. This can be extremely dangerous.
For sure, your car needs a thorough wash. A lot of mud could be deposited in the nooks and corners in the underneath of the car. This is where rust starts. A good wash makes sure the car stays rust free. It is also possible to have anti-rust spray on the car. Let the engine cool off before directing a high-pressure hose into the engine bay. There are sensors and hi-tech electronics, which don’t take happily to water at pressure. If you got caught in a downpour and the roads were flooded, there was a chance that water seeped in from under the doors and wet your carpets. Driving around with damp carpets will definitely start rust on the floor boards. This means removing the front seats and removing the carpets and sunning them till they are dry and then refitting them. It is a lengthy procedure but it is the only way to dry out the floor boards and save the car from rusting.
The air filter in the car is made out of paper. Paper also has a tendency to be hygroscopic and even a few drops of water will affect its efficiency. A new air filter will lead to better fuel average. The money spent will be worthwhile.
One final point. Most drivers do not know how to demist a car and keep the windows clean. It is by using the AC and water together. Winter is around the corner and you are going to have to be using this facility. Read the owner’s manual and figure out what to do.
Happy motoring.
