To Protect My Car from the 'Sudden Heavy Rain' Autumn Shower... "Check Tires and Wipers"

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Following the sudden autumn rain last weekend, unpredictable autumn weather is expected to continue. This week, autumn rain is forecasted across various parts of the country, and used car platform company K Car (Keika) revealed on the 4th how to manage your car for safe autumn driving.

The biggest danger of driving on wet roads during unexpected heavy rain is the "hydroplaning phenomenon." Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water forms between the tires of a moving vehicle and the road surface, causing the tires to lose traction with the road. This weakens the braking power of the tires on the road, making it easy to skid.

Especially in autumn, fallen leaves make the roads even more slippery, so extra caution is necessary. Worn tires have reduced friction, making hydroplaning more likely, so it is important to regularly check the condition of your tires. The tire wear limit is 1.6mm, and if the tread depth is below this, replacement is recommended.

Wipers should also be checked in advance. It is advisable to replace wipers every 6 months to 1 year regularly. Missing the replacement cycle can cause the rubber blades to wear out, resulting in poor water removal or streaks on the windshield.

If there is excessive noise during operation, it is time to replace the wipers. Additionally, if the wipers do not function properly during sudden heavy rain, visibility can be compromised, potentially leading to serious accidents. Check the wipers by lifting them and inspecting for torn or damaged rubber.

If noise persists or water is not wiped clean even after replacing the wipers, check for an oil film on the windshield. The oil film is a thin layer of oil formed on the car glass surface caused by exhaust gases, dust, and other contaminants, which interferes with wiper operation.

Use a dedicated oil film remover to clean it thoroughly. If an oil film remover is not available, toothpaste can be used temporarily and rinsed off with water. Additionally, applying a water-repellent coating helps improve visibility when driving in the rain.

Also, after the rain stops, if water droplets or wet fallen leaves leave foreign substances on the vehicle surface, it is recommended to remove them quickly. When water or foreign substances remain on the glass and are exposed to sunlight, water stains can form that are difficult to remove and obstruct visibility while driving. Moreover, leaving them for a long time can cause the windshield to require replacement.

Hwang Gyuseok, head of diagnostics at Keika, said, “Keika sets the tire tread depth replacement standard at 2.8mm and replaces tires below this limit before selling, prioritizing customer safety. We hope everyone pays attention to safety accidents through simple vehicle maintenance methods and enjoys comfortable and safe driving even in autumn.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.