Your car needs a rainy season reset too: 5 things to check before the downpours

When the skies open up, most people think about umbrellas, jackets, muddy shoes and whether that trip across town is really necessary. The car, however, is often left out of the rainy-season preparation until something goes wrong.

That is usually when a driver discovers that the windscreen wipers have become little rubber decorations, the tyres are more worn than expected or the headlights are struggling to cut through a grey afternoon. A heavy downpour is not the best time to discover that your car has been quietly asking for attention for months.

With Kenya preparing for a period of heavier rainfall, giving your car a quick rainy-season reset can make everyday driving safer and less stressful. Wet roads reduce grip, visibility can drop within minutes and flooded sections can turn familiar routes into completely different roads. Basic checks before the rains arrive can therefore save you from avoidable trouble later.

Give your tyres a serious inspection

Your tyres are where the car meets the road, so they deserve more than a casual glance while you are at the petrol station.

Start by checking the tread. Tyres with worn tread have less ability to move water away from the contact area, increasing the risk of losing grip on wet roads. Also look for cracks, cuts, bulges or unusual wear along the surface and sidewalls.

Tyre pressure matters too. Check it when the tyres are cold and follow the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer rather than simply guessing. Do not forget the spare tyre. A spare that has been sitting quietly in the boot for months may be just as unprepared as the driver.

This is also a good time to check whether the tyres are wearing unevenly. If one side is noticeably more worn than the other, have the car inspected. Uneven wear can point to alignment, suspension or other mechanical issues.

A rainy-season drive is a poor place to discover that your tyres were already living on borrowed time.

Replace those tired wipers

Few things are more frustrating than turning on your wipers during a serious downpour and watching them smear the rain across the windscreen instead of clearing it.

Wiper blades deteriorate with exposure to sunlight and heat, even when they are not being used constantly. Signs of trouble include streaks, skipping, squeaking, smearing and sections of the windscreen that remain wet after each sweep.

Test them before the rains become serious. Put some water or washer fluid on the windscreen and run the blades. They should clear the glass properly rather than leaving behind a collection of mysterious lines.

Also check the washer-fluid reservoir. There is little comfort in having perfectly good wipers when the windscreen is covered in dust, mud and road grime and you have nothing with which to clean it.

If the blades are cracked or hardened, replace them. It is one of those small car expenses that feels boring until you desperately need it.

Check the brakes and lights

Rain changes the driving equation. Roads become slippery, visibility falls and stopping can take longer, which makes properly functioning brakes particularly important. Before the rainy season, pay attention to warning signs such as squealing, grinding, vibrations, a soft brake pedal or the car pulling to one side when braking.

If something feels unusual, have the braking system checked by a qualified mechanic rather than hoping the problem disappears.

Then move to the lights.

Check your headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and rear lights. In heavy rain, being able to see other motorists is only half the job; they also need to see you. The Automobile Association recommends checking headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, tyres and wipers as part of vehicle preparation.

A quick walk around the car with the lights switched on can reveal a dead bulb or moisture where it should not be.

Check the fluids, battery and windscreen

Rainy weather does not mean the engine gets a holiday. Your car still needs the right fluids and a healthy electrical system.

Check the engine oil and coolant levels and look for signs of leaks. Brake fluid should also be at the recommended level. The windscreen washer reservoir deserves attention too, particularly if you regularly drive through dusty roads before the rain washes everything into a muddy film.

The battery is another item worth checking, especially if your car has started taking longer to start in the morning. Look for corrosion around the terminals and have the battery tested if it has been showing signs of weakness.

Then inspect the windscreen itself. Small chips and cracks may become more troublesome, while a dirty or damaged windscreen can make visibility worse when rain starts falling heavily.

Prepare for floods before you meet one

This is where preparation becomes more than routine car maintenance.

Heavy rain can produce flooded roads, and the safest flooded road is often the one you choose not to enter. Water can hide potholes, open drains and damaged sections of road. It can also enter parts of the vehicle that were never designed to operate underwater.

Do not assume that because another vehicle has crossed, your car will make it through. The depth may be difficult to judge, and fast-moving water can be particularly dangerous. The AA advises motorists to avoid floodwater where possible because water entering the engine can cause serious damage.

Keep a simple emergency kit in the car as well. A torch, first-aid supplies, phone charger or power bank, reflective item and basic tools can become surprisingly valuable when a normal evening drive suddenly turns into an unexpected roadside wait.

Most importantly, give yourself extra time during heavy rain. Rushing because you are late is rarely worth taking unnecessary risks on a wet road.

The rainy season does not have to turn every commute into an automotive drama. A little preparation before the first serious downpour can make a significant difference. Check the tyres, replace the stubborn wipers, test the brakes and lights, inspect the fluids and know when to leave a flooded road alone.

Your car cannot control the weather, but you can make sure it is ready when the weather decides to make an entrance.

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