Gear up for the monsoons

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It’s been a long hot summer and the rains are still playing hide and seek. But the much-awaited downpour is not exactly good news for two wheeler owners and not only those who commute to drive under Minto Bridge.

Rains also do their share of damage to the two-wheeler in terms of peeling away the paint, rusting the metal parts and generally damaging the bodywork and components. Also, one has to be extra careful while riding as the rains leave the roads smooth as glass and your low-tech bike does not have traction control.
Here are some tips for safe riding and maintaining your bike during the rains. If you follow them, you will have no problem in this monsoon.

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Riding Tips • The start of the rainy season is the best time to buy new tyres, if you need them that is. Else, check your tyres for tread. Bald tyres often lead to slides. • Check your brakes for squeaks due to water leaking into the drum • Rains are not for showing enthusiasm. Do not accelerate or brake suddenly. Remember a wet tarmac offers less grip than a dry surface so do not try risky maneuvers in the wet. • Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure or 1-2 psi below that for extra grip. Stay in control and use the gears prudently for slowing down. • Forget the sweeping left-handers and the twisting right-handers. Lean into corners less aggressively. • Use front and rear brake simultaneously. If you are a front brake kind of person, refrain from jamming the front brakes. Maintenance Tips • Wipe clean your bike as soon as it stops raining • Dry out the water that collects in the nooks and corners of the engine and inside the rear view mirror casing • Take special care of the chromed parts in your bike like the exhaust pipe. Keep the chromed surfaces dry and if parking the bike for a long time, apply a coat of furniture wax over the chromed surface. • Put lubricating oil in the switches, levers, cables etc, so that they function smoothly