Carmudi Monthly 001 | Page 30

Car Care: Your Car and the Rain

The weather has been crazy in Sri Lanka, sudden bouts of heavy rain coming in between hours of scorching Sun. Your car has been going through a lot, and it’s important to make sure you take care of it now so you don’t end up with a huge bill in the long run.

We’ll be taking a look at a few things you should keep in mind during this time to keep your car looking good and running well.

Rain isn’t a substitute for washing your car

Why would you need to wash your car if it’s raining? Unfortunately, the pollutants in the air mean that the rain isn’t all that pure, leaving acidic deposits on your car, which eat away at your not only your paint but also contribute to rusting. So make sure you give your car a good wash regularly, and if you don’t have the time to do a full wash, at least hose it down thoroughly.

Get your wax on

Waxing your car can save your paint and ensure your car looks good for longer. Think of wax as a sacrificial layer upon which the elements will exact their vengeance, rather than on your paint.

You don’t have to use the high end stuff either, even cheap products will provide a basic layer of protection, but don’t expect it to last very long. The wax will also protect your car from acid rain and bird droppings (also very acidic).

Good wipers are important

Your wipers are going to get quite the workout during the rainy season, so making sure they are in good condition is important. If the rubber feels hard, or if there are cracks in it, it’s time to invest in a new set. Not only will they not clear your windshield properly, it may causes scratches.

Make sure your washer fluid is topped up, the shift between rain and sun means there’s a good chance your windshield will have dust caked or baked on it. Try adding a detergent (or windshield washer fluid) to the water as this will help break down oils and other debris much better than just water.

YOUR CAR & YOU