Monsoon season not only creates challenging driving conditions, but can also impact your car’s performance and appearance. Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are sharing information and tips to protect your car and stay safe during monsoon.

Appearance

• Dust can cause fine scratches all over. While most dust will blow off while driving, washing your car as soon as possible will help. Also, a coat of wax can help protect paint.

Comfort

• If you’re caught in a storm, the cabin filter will likely become contaminated/restricted with dust affecting airflow and air conditioning performance. If you’re driving in a storm, switch your A/C to “recirculate” or “max” to draw the air from the interior rather than outside.

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Performance

• Driving in a storm can drastically shorten the engine’s air filter. Dust can restrict the filter, reducing fuel economy, causing poor performance and, in extreme cases, damage the engine.

Electrical systems

• If the rubber molding around your windshield, doors and cab isn’t in good shape, water can seep in and create big problems. It could take a couple months before your turn signals start malfunctioning or you could flood your engine right away. Check molding for cracks.

Engine failure

• If you drive through flood waters, you risk blowing your engine. If you can’t avoid the water then shut off the engine and have your car towed rather than drive through water.

Car checks:

• Be sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition.

• Make sure headlights and brake lights are clean and bright.

• Inspect tires for cuts and sidewall bulges and check tread. The minimum acceptable tread depth is 3/32 inch, which is about the distance from the edge of a penny to the top of Lincoln’s head.

• Carry an emergency kit and fully charged cell phone.

NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals)

The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.