Car components and vehicle aesthetics for rainy season

Windshield wiper

The wiper has to be one of the most important component in the rainy season, this is used for remove rain streams from the windshield,

 

we see just the wiper blades but it consists of other components that make up it's working, so going into the rainy season you must be sure that all the components that allow for the proper functioning of the wiper blades are in place the motor, the wiper arms, washer reservoir, washer fluid, nozzles. It is important that the wiper blades wipe the windshield clean, not leaving gaps or just smearing the rain water off the windshield, so ensure that the blades are in perfect condition.

 All vehicle lights

The headlamp, the tail lights, indicator light, reverse light, invariably all the external light of the car should be functioning properly during the rainy season and always, because this aids the other drivers to know that you are on the road, it allows for your safety and the safety of other road users.

The road tar/pavement is usually darker and requires brighter lights for visibility therefore the head lamp must be bright and sharp, set to the road use specified angle.

The tail light helps drivers behind you keep a safe distance and the brake light also notified them when you apply the brakes. It is a necessity to ensure that all this lights are working properly.

 Brake pads

In preparation for the season ensure that the brake pads are in good condition, during a wet day, water gets between the brake pads and the brake rotors, reducing the effectiveness of the braking system. Even though there are technologies in modern vehicles that aid braking, it is pertinent that the brake pads are in prime condition, it is therefore advised that if you've not changed your brake pads in a long time, going into the season, you should invest in quality brake pads.

Air conditioner

As a car owner, you should ensure that your vehicle's air conditioning system is in prime shape for the season, this is important to defog the windshield, removing/drying up moisture from the cabin.

This increases the visibility of the driver and makes the vehicle comfortable for the occupants.

Remember preventive maintenance is cheaper that corrective maintenance.

 Be motosmart and be safe!!!

Is your car ready for rainy season?

The rainy season is upon us again, another good time to be alive but it’s also one of the most dreaded seasons for vehicle drivers, especially because the roads become so slippery, the roads become so dark, there is pressure on the vehicle headlight, the wiper blades work so hard and then there are those days when the wiper wont just work, so much frustration comes with this season. But then there is a saying that he/she who fails to plan, plans to fail.  The solution to all the challenges faced by the vehicle and the car owner is adequate preparation; this would be a 3 part series write up that would help you prepare for the dreaded season

Part 1 would deal with tires and its effect on traction.

Part 2 would cover vehicle aesthetics that aid smooth ride driving through rain.

Part 3 would tackle driver’s habit during raining season.

Part 1

Tires

For those who don’t know yet, tires are the component of the car that makes contact with the ground/pavement/tar, the tire is a very vital part of the car, well the vehicle cannot move without tires, so it is a necessity for a functioning car.

There are four different types of tire based on their tread functionality,

a.      Directional tires. (unidirectional)

b.      Symmetrical tires.

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c.       Asymmetrical tires.

d.      Directional/asymmetrical.

For the purpose of this study, we would be concentrating on the type of tire that is best suited for the rainy season, this is the type of tire that’s marked in such a way that water is from between the tire and pavement is drawn out of the centre of the tire reducing to the barest minimum the occurrence of hydroplaning while keeping a firm grip between the tire and the road. (Hydroplaning occurs when water build between the wheels of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction that prevents the vehicle from responding to control input).

As a car driver driving in the rain you must have seen a vehicle skidding off road, yes that’s the situation of control being lost usually caused by hydroplaning, it is a horrible situation to be in or even imagine.

The best tire for rain is the directional and directional/asymmetric tires; the tire treads are designed in such a way that water in between the tire and the pavement is eliminated to the barest minimum allowing for better traction and handling, they are also good for other seasons that we experience in Nigeria, so if you are thinking of changing your tires soon especially going into the season we advise that you invest in one of these tires for your safety and to give you smooth stress-free ride during this rainy season.