For the past weeks, Metro Manila and nearby provinces experienced heavy rains that flooded major thoroughfares and submerged some vehicles. Floods pose danger to health and properties but damage to vehicles can be lessened, if not avoided, if proper preparation is made.
Suzuki Philippines shares tips on how best to avoid damage to vehicles during the rainy season.
Assess the situation
Postpone going out in rough weather if there is a huge chance of flooding. If you cannot avoid it, know the terrain. Listen to the news or do your research on the internet. Find out if your destination is prone to flooding or not. Never drive through flood that is above the centre of your tyres as this will cause huge damage and can put you in danger if the flood gets deeper.
“If the vehicle gets submerged, immediately remove the battery terminal (positive and negative) to prevent damage to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) which serves as the “brain” of the vehicle”, said Suzuki Philippines’ Service Supervisor Randy Santos.
Move out
If you are trapped in a flood, get out of the unit and get to safety. Find higher ground away from the flood.
Check your vehicle’s condition
Prior to any journey, check your vehicle’s head lights, tail lights, brake lights, and that turn signals are working properly. “Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls—steering, clutch, brake and accelerator—and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in the rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine,” Santos added.
All cars are suitable for the rainy season, but not all tyres are. Check the condition of your tyres before going on the road. Pressure of the tyres must be checked and adjusted once a week or after a long travel.
Under inflation has immediate effects on vehicle handling (as well as fuel consumption), but its potential impact on overall safety and tyre life are even greater. It results in premature and uneven tread wear on the outer edges. Under inflation also increases stress on the tyre itself, through flexing and overheating, which can lead to structural failures such as tread separation.
Also look for excessive or uneven tread wear in the tyre, cracks, or bulges on the sidewalls or tread, chunking of the tread or any indication of tread separation, and signs of puncture, or nails, screws, glass, pieces of stone or any foreign object embedded in the tyre to avoid any danger. If any of these conditions are identified, motorists should immediately go to a tyre specialist to have their tyres checked.
Suzuki stresses that all motorists should take care of their vehicles whether it’s rainy or summer season. “Vehicles can achieve their highest performance if they are properly maintained and taken care of. It is important to visit automobile specialists for proper check up and maintenance of vehicles to ensure the motorists’ safety on the road, whatever the weather may be,” Santos said.
For more information on Suzuki Philippines and their services, visit www.suzuki.com.ph.