It's that time of the year when the benevolent rain gods shower their blessings in plenty. This guide tells you how best to take care of your car in the monsoon and driving safely in the wet.

CAR BODY

The exterior of the car is the only line of defence between the interior and critical components. Not only that, but most modern cars are monocoques ie the bodies themselves are load-bearing structures. So making sure they weather the monsoon is not only an aesthetic reason, it's a pretty good technical one too.

The main cause of body and underbody deterioration is corrosion. Modern cars come with galvanised metal, rust proofing, etc, but with our fierce monsoons, additional care needs to be taken.

• Don't let dirt accumulate. Water trickles off but dirt settles on the damp areas and eventually eats into the paintwork. Most corrosion begins on the inside, so your car may need more than a light wash down.
• Take special care to clean wheel wells, doorsills and under the doors. That's where most corrosion sets in.
• Wash paintwork with a good car detergent and wash it off thoroughly. Do not use household detergents as they are strong, affecting the metal and promoting rust.
• After a wash, application of wax is recommended as it forms a protective layer.
• It is critical that drain holes and rain gutters are kept clear to enable water to drain away freely.
• Attend to scratches and dents in the surface of the paint immediately. If left unattended, corrosion is hours, not days away.
• It's a myth that many metals do not rust except for gold and some precious metals. Even the 'stainless' in stainless steel is not immune, given extreme conditions. So wash all surfaces thoroughly and wipe them dry.
• Much more care should be taken if you live near the coast. Higher salt content in the air accelerates corrosion.