The monsoon season brings welcome relief from the summer heat, but it also makes riding on two wheels more difficult. Heavy rain and slippery conditions increase the risk of slips, falls and accidents. However, a few precautions and proper riding habits can improve safety during the rainy months. Here is a quick monsoon guide.
India monsoon travel guide: Quick tips
One of the first things riders should check before a storm hits is their motorcycle or scooter tires. Good tread is important for handling wet roads, as worn tires can have difficulty dispersing water and are prone to hydroplaning. Tire pressure should also be checked regularly and kept within the manufacturer’s recommended range.The braking system should also be checked before the rainy season starts. Brakes, brake shoes and cables should be checked for wear as stopping distances are longer on wet roads. Motorcycle riders with ABS should also make sure the sensors and wiring are clean and working properly.Riders should also ensure that their headlights, taillights and indicators are in good working order, while those using scooters with windshields should check for beads or fogging that could obstruct visibility.Protective gear is very important during rainy season. A waterproof jacket or rain suit helps riders stay dry and stable, while a full-face helmet with an anti-fog visor or Pinlock insert improves visibility. Gloves with palm trees also help to keep the handles safe.Once on the road, riding style plays a big role in safety. Speed should be reduced and driving distance increased as wet roads can almost double braking distance. Soft input and slow braking using the front and rear brakes will help reduce the chance of speeding. Visibility is another major problem in heavy rain. Climbers should use dim lights instead of high beams, as high beams reflect raindrops and reduce visibility. Keeping a safe distance from large vehicles such as buses and trucks is also important because the water they create can make it difficult to see the road.After riding, riders should polish the motorcycle, especially chrome and exposed metal, to reduce rust. The air filter should be checked periodically in the weather, because moisture and dirt can affect the performance of the engine. It is also important not to delay the planned works, because constant rain and debris contribute to wear on several things.