Here’s all you need to know about caring for your vehicle in wet
weather.
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Dec 11, 2015
Most drivers know the golden rules for driving in rainy conditions
– turn on your lights, slow down, keep a safe distance from the
next car – but did you know that you should also take special care
of your vehicle in wet weather? That’s because rain and wet driving
conditions affect vehicle parts very differently from regular (dry)
conditions.
Since the rainy season is upon us again, with hard-to-predict
downpours happening almost every day, it’s high time to arm
yourself with useful knowledge about caring for your vehicle in wet
weather. With the help of industry experts, we’ve compiled this
simple checklist of five important tips to keep your ride in good
shape this season.
It’s tempting to skip the car washing because it’s raining all the
time anyway, but don’t give in! Rain actually doesn’t do any
favours for your vehicle’s exterior – it leaves behind acidic
deposits that eat away at the exposed parts of your car, especially
the paint job and any metallic (e.g. chrome) finishes.
The best thing you can do for your vehicle’s exterior is to keep up
with regular, proper care. Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits
with plenty of water and a microfibre cloth to remove stubborn
stains such as bird droppings. Clean the vehicle starting from the
top and working down using a soft sponge. Make sure to use solvent
free cleaning products.
If you don’t have time for a full wash, a quick hose-down can help
neutralise acidity after your car has been out in the rain.
During rainy season, it’s extra important for your vehicle’s tyres
to be in tip-top condition. On wet road surfaces, vehicles are
prone to aquaplaning. This can be due to different tread depths on
the tyres, vehicle speed and differing road surfaces.
To minimize this risk, regularly check your tyres to ensure
sufficient tread depth for a safe drive. If they are worn,
especially below specifications (check your owner’s manual), get
them replaced.
Your wipers are going to be working very hard this wet weather
season, so check on the condition of your wiper blades and quantity
of washer fluid frequently. Some vehicles such as new Audi models
have a warning light that would show up on the dashboard telling
you it’s time to top up your washer fluid. Click on this link to find out how to top up your washer
fluid.
Listen out for jerking, squeaking and other noises, which indicate
that the wiper blade might need replacing. It’s important to keep
all wiper parts in order as visibility is crucial for your safety
when it rains.
Your headlights and taillights are more important than ever during
rainy season – not just for illuminating the environment when it’s
dark and stormy, but also to indicate your position clearly to
other road users. For your driving safety, check that your
headlights and taillights are turned on. Dipped beam lights ensure
maximum visibility for you and other road users.
You might know of LED displays, screens and even traffic lights,
but have you heard of LED headlights? In fact, LED technology is
proven to improve driving safety through rapid response and
stronger lighting. The new Audi Matrix LED Headlights can do even
more; the system dims light that would shine directly onto oncoming
and preceding vehicles, but continue to cast its full light on the
zones between and beside them. This works because the LED high
beams are split into numerous individual light-emitting
diodes. Find out more* about Audi’s innovative LED retrofit
solutions from Audi Genuine Parts today.
In damp or humid weather, you may find your lights lenses fog over
due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of
your vehicle. A simple fix is to switch the lights on, and the fog
will clear shortly.
* For more information, please contact:
Audi Centre Singapore 281 Alexandra Road, Singapore
159938/ Tel: 68382223
Audi Service Centre 55 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408699/
Tel: 63662323
Enjoy a more comfortable ride by investing in accessories to
protect your vehicle’s interior from water, mud and dirt. Just for
the rainy season (up to 31 Jan 2016), Audi Service Centre is
offering great deals on protective gear such as rubber floor mats,
boot trays and pedal caps.
For the same period, Audi is also offering deals on parts such as
brake pads brake discs and aero wipers. These Audi Genuine Parts
are made-to-measure and engineered for reliability and performance
regardless of weather conditions.
Now you know more about the parts of your vehicle that are most
affected by wet weather, as well as how to maintain or improve
them. Not only will these tips save you time and money in the long
run, they’ll also keep you, your passengers and fellow drivers
safe.
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