Nevada’s monsoon season lasts several months. Heavy thunderstorms bring with them the dangers of flash flooding, so it’s important for Southern Nevada residents to pay close attention to weather forecasting when planning on heading out in their cars during these months.
Of course, regular car maintenance is always a good idea. Scheduling service to coincide with monsoon season is a smart plan for keeping you, your family and your vehicle safe and secure.
Know Your Monsoon Hazards
Getting caught in a monsoon while driving is serious business. Some dangers are obvious while others are less so. Here’s what to look out for:
- Heavy rains make roads more difficult to drive on and cause spinouts if brakes are applied too quickly and heavily. The first 15 minutes are particularly treacherous as the rain causes various car fluid discharges to make the road extremely slick.
- Flash flooding can be strong enough to move your car. It can also sweep large objects into the road in front of your vehicle.
- Monsoons can also generate dust storms that limit visibility and bring high winds in excess of 50 mph.
- It’s a rare occurrence, but if lightning strikes your car it can render it inoperable. It can also strike a tree and cause it fall on the road or on top of your vehicle.
Car Maintenance for Monsoon Season
If it’s at all possible, the best thing to do during a monsoon is not drive. If you absolutely must drive, do so with the utmost caution and drive below the speed limit. If it becomes too treacherous, pull over to a safe location and wait for the weather to calm down.
A thorough car maintenance check is always a great precaution, but there are several things you want to make sure are in good working order:
- The car’s headlights should be aimed properly, and the turn signals and taillights should be fully operational and easy to see.
- Windshield wipers often dry out and crack in the hot summer heat. Wipers should be replaced once or twice a year and changing them right before monsoon season is ideal.
- All fluids, including windshield wash, should be topped off.
- Inspect the depth of the tread on your car’s tires and check the entirety of the tires for nails or debris between the treads. No one wants to fix a flat in a monsoon!
- Functional brakes can be the difference between a fender bender or a major crash.
Las Vegas Monsoon Season Car Maintenance
There’s a saying that experts use when warning people about driving in heavy rains: “Water always wins.” Take it easy and be overly cautious if you find yourself driving during a monsoon. If you’re ready to invest in car maintenance, Valley Automall is at your service. Contact us online or call us at 702-570-2257 to schedule your service today.