In this guide 4 sections
Monsoon in the Valley means slick roads, deep potholes that hide under water, and a lot of stop-start traffic. Most monsoon breakdowns are not bad luck: they are small things that were put off. Work through this list a few weeks before the rains start, not after the first bad day.
The checklist
Tyres
Tread depth is what keeps you from sliding on wet roads. Check it on all tyres, including the spare, and look at the sidewalls for cracks or bulges. Keep pressure at the level in the owner's manual.
Brakes
Wet brakes take longer to bite. Squealing, a soft pedal or a car that pulls to one side when braking are all reasons to get brakes inspected now. On bikes, check pads or shoes, lever travel and brake fluid.
Wipers and washer fluid
Cracked or streaky wiper blades are cheap to replace and make a huge difference in a downpour. Top up washer fluid, and clean the windscreen inside as well as outside to cut glare.
Lights
Check headlights, tail lights, indicators and brake lights. Foggy headlight lenses can be polished. In heavy rain, other drivers need to see you early.
Battery
Damp and heat both age batteries. A weak battery that survives dry weather may fail in the first wet week. Look at the terminals for corrosion and get a free or low-cost test if the battery is more than three years old.
Underbody, rust and leaks
Waterlogged roads wash dirt and salt into the underbody. Get rust spots treated before they spread, and check that door seals and drain holes are not blocked, since wet carpets bring damp smells and electrical faults.
Before the rains
- Tyres
- Tread, cracks, pressure, spare
- Brakes
- Pads, fluid, pedal feel
- Wipers
- Blades and washer fluid
- Lights
- All bulbs and lens clarity
- Battery
- Age and terminals
- Underbody
- Rust and drain holes
Book it before the rush
Workshops get busy the week before and after the rains begin. If you would rather not spend a morning queuing, a Najik provider can collect your vehicle, do a full pre-monsoon inspection and bring it back. Available in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
Book a pre-monsoon check
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on my car before monsoon?
Tyres (tread and pressure), brakes, wipers, lights, battery, and underbody rust. A workshop inspection covers all of these in one visit.
How do I protect my bike from rust in the rainy season?
Wash off mud promptly, dry it, keep the chain lubricated, and park it under cover if you can. Check brakes and tyres before the rains.
What do I do if my engine stalls in floodwater?
Do not restart it. Water in the engine can cause serious damage. Get it towed to a workshop.
Can a provider come to my home for the inspection?
Yes, in most cases the provider can collect the vehicle and return it. Tell the coordinator where it is parked.
Get your vehicle ready for the rains
Tell us the vehicle and your area; we will arrange a pre-monsoon inspection.
