Ready or not, here they come! Though the monsoons have been slow to start this year, they are on their way. Make sure you take the extra time Mother Nature has given you this monsoon season to help ready your vehicle for the dust storms and torrential downpours headed your way.

Driving during the monsoons poses bigger risks just a longer commute. In fact, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, more than 5,000 crashes occurred in 2015 due to rain in Arizona. For this reason, it is important that you have your vehicle ready to handle the roads as safely as possible.

Before the monsoons start, check off these seven items on your vehicle maintenance to-do list:

1. Check your tires. Make sure your tires are rotated and aligned every 6,000 miles. Check for the proper inflation levels, your vehicle specific recommended psi can be found in your owner’s manual. The tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. Inspect your tire tread and replace your tire if it is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less. Don’t forget to inspect your spare!
2. Change your wiper blades. The wipers are an often-overlooked safety feature of the vehicle. They are what allow motorists to see the road clearly in a storm. It is recommended that you check your wiper blades every six months and replace them once a year, or whenever you notice a decrease in visibility. Replacing wipers before the start of the monsoons is a good idea, as being caught in a storm with failing wipers can be extremely dangerous.
3. Inspect the battery. A dead battery is not a pleasant experience, especially during monsoon season. Check that the battery is clean and free of corrosion and that everything is tightly secured. Have your battery tested to make sure it is properly holding its charge. If your battery is over three years old, you may want to consider having it replaced. Remember to never handle a battery unless you know how to do so safely.
4. Check the lights. Visibility is extremely important during the monsoons. You need to make sure you can see, and that you are seen. Make sure all exterior lights (head, tail, reverse, and indicator) are working correctly. Repair cloudy headlight lenses, and for even better visibility, consider using high-intensity halogen headlights.
5. Inspect your belts and hoses. Make sure there are no cracks, tears, or glazing, and that everything is tightened properly. Summer heat is hard on the hoses and belts so it is important to monitor them closely this time of year to avoid any potential damage.
6. Check the air filters. It is dusty this time of year, which is hard on both your cabin and engine air filters. Have them checked then replace if needed.
7. Inspect your brakes. Being able to stop safely is extremely important at all times, however, in inclement weather conditions, we rely even more heavily on the abilities of our brakes. Before the rains start, have a brake expert inspect your brakes to make sure they are in top condition. Your life and the life of other motorists depends on it.

Virginia Auto Service is here to help you make sure you are driving a vehicle that can safely handle monsoon weather conditions. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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