Car not starting in monsoon? Check these 5 things immediately, loss worth lakhs can be avoided

Automobile Desk: As pleasant as the monsoon season is, it also brings new problems for the drivers. Due to heavy rains and waterlogging on the roads, there are often complaints of the car stopping or not starting. In such a situation, most of the people get nervous and immediately call the mechanic or get the car towed.

However, every time the fault is not that big. Many times, due to very minor reasons, the vehicle stops starting during rains, which you can check yourself and fix. If your car is also showing fuss in starting after rain, then definitely follow these 5 easy steps before going to the workshop.

Remove moisture from battery and terminals

​During rainy days the level of humidity in the air increases a lot. Its first impact is on the car’s battery. Due to excessive moisture, carbon or corrosion accumulates on the terminals of the battery, which stops the flow of current.

What to do: First of all, check whether the battery wires are loose. If a white or green layer is visible on the terminals, clean it with a dry cotton cloth or sandpaper and reinstall the wires tightly.

Checking and cleaning spark plugs (petrol vehicles)

To start a petrol engine, it is very important to get the correct spark from the spark plug. Rain water or moisture sometimes reaches the spark plug cap and plug, causing misfiring and the engine not being able to start.

What to do: If you know, remove the spark plug and wipe it with a dry cloth and let it dry for some time. After that try to self start by putting it back in place.

Keep the air filter from getting wet

​An engine needs air to function properly. The car’s air filter cleans the outside air and supplies it to the engine. When you drive through a waterlogged road, the air filter gets splashed with water. A wet air filter blocks the passage of air.

What to do: Open and check the air filter box. If the filter is wet, remove it and dry it or install a new filter if necessary.

fuse box and electrical wiring

​Modern cars have a lot of sensors and electrical components. During rain, many times a main fuse of the car gets blown to prevent short circuit.

What to do: Open the fuse box of the car and check whether the fuse of the starter or fuel pump is correct or not. If any fuse appears burnt, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage. Also check for loose wiring.

​The most important warning: danger of ‘hydrolock’!

​If your car has passed through deep water or was stopped in the middle of water, then do not make the mistake of hitting self-start again and again.

​Note: If water has gotten inside the engine and you try to force start the car, the engine may be ‘hydro-locked’. Due to this, the engine pistons may break and you may have to suffer a huge loss of lakhs of rupees. In such a situation, the safest option is to get the car towed and take it directly to the service center.

Easy tips for prevention

​Always park the car in a covered or shaded dry place during monsoon.
​Never cover the car with a waterproof cover for a long time, this traps moisture inside.
​Start the car at least twice a week and leave it for 5-10 minutes, so that the moisture from the engine heat dries up.

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