ONGWEDIVA – According to the Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS), Namibia is going to receive good rain showers these coming weeks. The northern parts of the country received heavy rain with serious thunderstorms and, at times, strong winds. The same is reported for the Kavango Region, certain areas in Khomas Region such as Windhoek and some pockets here and there in the south at places like Keetmanshoop.
With most schools set to be closing in about three weeks time, and if the current rainy weather continues, Namibians need to ensure that their motor vehicles are “fit” to be driven in the rain when we plan on taking the loved ones to the villages or holiday destinations.
Although driving in the rain is not the most common occurrence in Namibia during the summer periods, motor vehicle accidents increase dramatically when it rains.
Learning how to maintain your vehicle is important for keeping you and your fellow motorists safe while driving in the rain, especially now that we preparing for December holiday rush.
Ensuring that your vehicle is fit for the rainy season, follow these steps:
TYRES
Traction is the key to good movement, turning and stopping on wet surfaces. The deeper the tread on your tires, the more water can be channeled out from under the tire and the more traction you’ll have.
Check your owner’s manual or door frame for the maximum pressure amount for your tires. Do not go above that pressure point.
Make sure to have the same tires on all four wheels. This will keep your car stable. Check your spare tire regularly.
WIPERS
Test your windshield wipers. Clearing water and dirt from your windshield can be all the difference when you get caught driving in the rain. Before you test your windshield wipers, clean them with soap and water and replace your wiper fluid.
Next, mix a cup of water with a tablespoon of flour and splash your windshield with the mixture. First examine how well the windshield wipers eliminate the mixture without using wiper fluid. Do they smear the mixture in both directions? Do the wipers only clean in one direction? If so, your wipers are moderately worn – but will not be sufficient for driving in the rain.
If your wipers still cannot clean the mixture from your windshield while using wiper fluid, then you definitely need to replace your windshield wipers immediately.
BRAKES
Get your brakes checked. Imagine how little time and space you need to stop when it’s the rainy season!
.Turn down your radio and roll your windows down. Are there any noises coming from your vehicle when you brake? Your brake pads will emit a high-pitched noise to alert you that you need to get your brake pads changed. If you hear grinding sounds, the problem has become more serious and could be extremely costly; you should get your vehicle checked immediately.
.Find an empty parking lot or quiet side street and test braking at slow speeds. Does your car pull to one side or the other when braking? If it does, this is a sign that your brakes need to be checked.
- When you brake, does your brake pedal vibrate? If so, your rotors may be damaged and you will need to have your brakes checked.
HEADLIGHTS
Traction won’t be your only concern when driving through the rainy season. Visibility can also become a problem when heavy rains and fog set in. But having well-maintained headlights can be a great way of avoiding accidents, especially when visibility is no more than a few dozen feet. Fog lights are particularly effective since they reduce and prevent glare as well as make you visible to other motorists on the road. Headlights are not only the best way to see what’s ahead of you, but a great way of letting other drivers know where you are.
Drive Smart, Drive Safe
Overall, be careful driving in the rain this season. Drive slower, maintain a larger distance between you and the next vehicle, and don’t allow any distractions (cell phones, GPS, radio) to keep you from driving safely!
By Felix Tjozongoro