10 Critical Tips for Driving in the Rain

After nearly a year of no rains, the clouds have rolled in for a heavy downpour. While the weather at present is most certainly Instagram-worthy, driving in such conditions is a different story.

Driving in the rain is easily one of the most challenging driving situations to face in this region. Whether it's just a sprinkle or an unexpected shower burst, you can never be too careful.

It should go without saying, but rainy driving conditions are directly proportional to higher accident rates. Regardless of what part of the country you're in, you will have adverse rainy driving conditions at some point. Knowing what to do in such circumstances can provide a world of difference.

We've heard of a litany of tales about facing accidents and mishaps on wet roads. Keeping that in mind, your trusty auto service experts at Service My Car have come up with the ultimate guide to driving in the rain.

Read on to know more about what to do on the road. We also prescribe some of the most common rain-related damages to look out for. This should guide you on what to do after you've been through the treacherous drive. 

Is driving in the rain hard? 

Driving in the rain can be one of the most challenging driving conditions to experience. The grease and oil from your vehicle produce an inconspicuous film on the road, which becomes slippery when it rains.

As a result, you're advised to follow defensive driving techniques. By reducing your speed and driving defensively, you largely mitigate the risks of hydroplaning.

How slow should you drive in rain?

You're advised to slow down at the first sight of rain, especially when it happens after a dry spell. As we covered above, the oil and dust have just started to set in at this point, making the roads slippier than usual.

Slow down gradually, and drive at least 6 to 10 kph slower than you usually would. If your car starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually and avoid applying the brakes suddenly, to prevent skidding.

What are the 10 critical tips for driving in the rain?

1 - Wait out the rain if possible

This is especially important if you're a new driver or you're just uncomfortable driving in the rain. Try to postpone your trip and wait until the weather improves before committing to the road.

You're advised to avoid putting yourself in danger if the conditions are too hazardous. Moreover, you mitigate other risks and damages by putting your trip off until the weather improves. 

2 - Ensure your car's equipment is good to go

If you've got the time, ensure your car's equipment is good to go before you set out in the rain. Check if all your lights, especially the headlights, the indicators, and the taillights, are in working order.

Check if your windshield wipers are working correctly as well. Another nifty tip is to check if your car's tyre treads are fine. If they seem too worn out, then you're advised to skip the trip and get your tyres replaced.

Such adverse driving conditions can drastically affect various components of your vehicle. A lot of cars need to get their windshield replaced after a storm. If you happen to face such a situation, look no further than Service My Car for your next car windshield replacement. 

3 - Slow down as much as you can 

If you're already on the road and it's raining, then there's probably no turning back. As we covered before, the first thing you ought to do is to slow down, keeping nearby traffic in mind.

It's vital to remember that your vehicle's reaction time becomes a lot slower during the rain. As a result, you must slow down when driving in the rain.

4 - Turn on your headlights 

Since heavy downpour results in reduced visibility, you're advised to turn on your headlights. As a result, it not only improves your visibility, but makes you more visible to other drivers on the road.

However, there's a caveat. Driving in heavy rains often results in electrical failure after a while. Many car owners have reported facing issues with headlights and cabin lights after driving in the rain. More often than not, this points towards a problem with the battery or the electrical unit.

Service My Car can solve any car trouble that you may have. If you're facing such electrical issues after being out in the rains recently, you can get a car battery replacement from us. 

5 - Don't forget to use your windshield wipers

Now, this might seem like common sense, but many drivers forget to turn on their windshield wipers. Most modern cars also have speed adjustment settings to face anything from a gentle drizzle to a heavy downpour.

If you think your windshield wipers aren't as effective as they used to be, it's best to get them replaced. If you hear any scraping noise while they're operating, or if they leave streaks behind on your windshield, it's time to replace your windshield wipers.

6 - Keep a safe distance between the cars around you

While this is a great tip in general, it's a lot more vital to maintain safety in the rain. As we mentioned earlier, your vehicle has a slower reaction time in the rain.

As a result, by keeping a greater distance between the vehicles around you, you also accommodate the difference in reaction times. The rule of thumb is to maintain the length of at least multiple cars in front of, and around you. 

7 - Avoid heavy braking at all costs 

You must avoid hard braking in such conditions to prevent hydroplaning. If you want to slow down your vehicle, it's best to take your foot off the accelerator earlier than you typically would. Another tip here is to avoid using cruise control, so you're totally aware and in control of your vehicle.

8 - Watch out for large puddles of still water

The first reason to avoid large puddles is to reduce the risks of hydroplaning. Another critical factor to consider is water seeping into vital components of your vehicle.

Regardless of how high your vehicle's suspension is, if your car isn't designed to go on shallow waters, it's best to avoid puddles entirely. If water seeps into vital components like your engine, it can cause major failures down the line.

Many motorists have reported extensive engine damage after driving through large puddles. If you happen to find yourself in such a situation, it's best to get a car engine repair from Service My Car. You can get experts help in your nearest location as well, Like Car Engine Repair in Manchester and more.

9 - Let your foot off the accelerator when hydroplaning

If you've followed all the aforementioned steps, but still find yourself hydroplaning, it's best to be proactive. We've talked a lot about hydroplaning thus far. It only makes sense to explain the phenomenon.

Hydroplaning, or aquaplaning, occurs when the tyres of your vehicle can't come in contact with the surface of the road because of the water that's lodged in between.

Hydroplaning is one of the most common risks to drive into in the rain. If you're in such a situation, it's best to stay calm and gently let go of the accelerator. Use the preserved momentum of your car to slowly steer towards the part of the road where your tyres can come in contact with the surface.

10 - Ventilate the cabin thoroughly

Rain can cause humidity levels to increase outside. This invariably has an effect on your cabin. During such conditions, your windows may become foggy as you continue driving.

Ensure you use your vehicle's ventilation system to reduce the fog on your windows, especially your front and rear windshield. You can also lower the cabin temperature by cracking a window open if the ventilation system isn't working correctly.

All in all, driving in the rain comes with severe consequences. If you feel like your car needs some care and attention after a harsh (and wet) drive, look no further than Service My Car.

Our vast service network ensures your car gets taken to the best car garages the region has to offer. At our partner garage, you can enlist the services of the region's best car technicians to get your car back to speed.

Whether you need a full inspection, or serious repair work done, we can do it all. Get a repair quote, or book a service package today on our website, or on the Service My Car app. 

Here’s What to Do If Your Car Keeps Pulling Towards One Side of the Road

Do you find yourself wresting the steering wheel to keep your car in between the lane lines? Does it often feel like your vehicle keeps veering towards one side? It's evident that there's some issue with your car. Moreover, such conditions can make the drive rather unsafe.  

However, it's not exactly easy to identify the cause immediately. The reasons could be anything from improper tyre air pressure, to wheel misalignment, to a worn out suspension. The only way to correctly identify such issues would be to go to a reputed car service centre like Service My Car.  

With a bit of troubleshooting, you can start to identify potential causes by yourself. Read through our guide to narrow down possible causes of why your car might be misbehaving.  

Step 1: Try to correctly identify the issue  

So, the issue is that your car's pulling to one side of the road. ­A good starting point here would be to identify the nature of the pull. Ask your questions like; what side of the road is your car pulling towards?  

Another question you could ask is if the car pulls to the side when accelerating or braking. You can start by pinpointing such details and providing all relevant information to your car technician. This, in turn, helps you narrow down the causes in a more effective manner.  

As a result, any top-quality car repair centre, such as Service My Car, can diagnose the issue quicker. 

Step 2: Check your tyre air pressure  

We've covered this before, but it's always important to stress this. Especially in a region like the Middle East, your tyre air pressure is absolutely vital to influencing your driving experience.  

Having overinflated or underinflated tyres is one of the most common causes of steering misbehaviour. Since your tyres aren't properly inflated, they won't make contact with the road in an ideal manner. As a result, your car veers towards one side or the other, depending on the condition of the road.  

Moreover, having overinflated or underinflated tyres can pose more severe tyre issues down the road. You're advised to get it fixed as soon as it's identified. Sometimes, a simple inflation, or deflation, of air to the recommended amount can solve the problem.  

However, there are other instances where professional guidance is required. Get a complimentary tyre air pressure check with any service at Service My Car. If there are more severe issues, a comprehensive tyre check can be carried out to correctly identify the problem. 

Step 3: Check if your wheels are aligned properly 

If you've ensured that your tyres have the right amount of pressure, it's probably got something to do with the alignment of your wheels. If it's been a while since you last carried out a wheel alignment service, it's best to get an opinion from a trusted mechanic. 

If you're looking to get a wheel alignment service, then look no further than Service My Car. Our wheel alignment experts will make all necessary adjustments to your steering and suspension units during the wheel alignment.  

As a result, this will ensure that all adjustable angles adhere to your car manufacturer's specifications. You get to drive a car that's smooth, steady, and one that doesn't unnecessarily veer to one side of the road. 

Step 4: Get a comprehensive brake check performed 

If you've covered all the previously listed steps and still find yourself facing an issue, it's best to get a thorough brake inspection performed. Sometimes, there might be an issue with your brake callipers, or you might be dealing with a restricted brake line.  

Whether it's a serious or a relatively minor issue, anything to do with your brakes can be considered to be a severe safety hazard. If you think you might be facing such issues, get an instant quote for a car repair at Service My Car. 

Service My Car can take care of all your car-related issues 

Whether you require a wheel alignment, or a regular car service, we can do it all. If you face any issues with your car and can't identify the source of the problem, simply get in touch with us. At Service My Car, you can get all your car needs sorted at the tap of a button. Like you need Mazda Service in Sharjah then you can easily book a service or repair online, get service progress updates sent to your phone, and even get free vehicle collection and delivery with all the services.

We'll pick your car up and carry out a thorough inspection to determine what's causing issues to your vehicle. You'll also have a personal service advisor who'll take you through the entire repair process, with service updates sent to your phone.  

Moreover, you can get the whole experience on your phone with the Service My Car app. Download the app and get started by booking a service or requesting an instant repair quote today. 

The 7 Most Essential Winter Car Care Tips

As residents of the UAE, we're fortunate enough to experience warm weather for the better part of the year. However, the winter chill can sneak up on us if we're not cautious enough. Relax, relax. This isn't us telling you to stock up on heavy down jackets and winter coats. You don't need all that. What we're getting at is winter car care. 

While we don't deal with adverse conditions such as frost and snow, that doesn't necessarily mean we can be complacent. With a cool head, and a hint of proactivity, we can make it through the winter with just about no car troubles. Lest we forget, the winter's when we have most of our road trips planned. 

Whether it's unexpected rains, expected morning dew, or a sudden burst of fog, proper vehicle maintenance is imperative in the winter. Cold weather tends to take a toll on cars, and the difficult driving conditions might catch you off-guard. With a bit of long sight, and proper planning, you can ensure your vehicle stays road ready for the winter. 

Let's look at what some of the most essential winter car care tips are for the season, straight from your resident auto service experts at Service My Car. 

Keep a check on your oil and fuel levels

Ensure your oil level is well within the minimum and the maximum mark on your car's dipstick. Running low on oil can cause hazardous situations on the road. 

You're advised to check your oil levels only after the car has fully warmed up. If you find yourself running low on oil, it's best to get a car oil change. 

With doorstep services becoming more popular than ever, you can get your oil changed at your doorstep with a mobile oil change service, such as the one provided by Service My Car.

While you're at it, it doesn't hurt to fill up on petrol too. Ensure you have the right amount of petrol in your tank before you plan long trips. You're especially advised not to stretch out the last few kilometres with low fuel as you might just end up being stranded on the road.

Ensure your headlights are clean

With unexpected rains and dust storms, it goes without saying that cars tend to get dirty during the winter. While a simple car wash might fix most problems, it's especially important to ensure your headlights are clean. 

It's estimated that your headlights lose around 40% of luminosity in 35km when driving on a wet winter's day. If possible, get someone to stand outside the car and ensure all your lights are working correctly.

If you happen to have any issues with any of your lights, it signals towards battery issues.

Get a thorough battery test done

Speaking of battery issues, did you know that the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns is a flat battery? It turns out, the risk of battery failure grows exponentially in cold and wet climates.

While you should endeavour to change your car's battery every three years, you might have to do it sooner if the cold climate is affecting it. Some signs to look out for include the engine turning over slower than usual, the battery light flickering in the dashboard, and any faults in the electrical unit.

Whether your headlights aren't working, or you run into any other battery troubles, it needs to be fixed. You can avail a hassle-free battery replacement from the auto repair experts at Service My Car. 

Thoroughly assess your tyres

We've covered this before, but it doesn't hurt to be repeated. Tyres that are worn out are always dangerous, but the danger is enhanced when you drive in wet conditions. 

We're aware that the UAE is prone to sudden rainfall in the winter, and driving in such conditions can be hazardous if your tyres aren't in a good condition. 

It's also vital to ensure you have a roadworthy spare tyre too. If you happen to face the misfortune of dealing with a flat tyre, Service My Car provides flat tyre services as part of their roadside assistance services. 

Check your windshield wipers and ensure you have washer fluid

Ensure your windshield wipers are in proper condition. They should not have any holes or tears. Moreover, they should be able to clean your windshield accurately without posing the risk of damaging it. 

You can wipe the wipers clean every now and then. On top of that, you'll need adequate windshield washer fluid too. A mix of rain and dust can make your windshield dirty in no time, and washer fluid is the best way to get it back to its original state. 

Winter's also when you're most likely to face some form of windshield damage. If your windshield's worse for wear, then it's probably time to get it replaced. Get the best windshield replacement from Service My Car. At Service My Car, You can get all services according to your location and brand as well. You just need to visit our website or app and select service according to your requirements and brand, like Kia Repair, Volvo Repair, Toyota Repair and many more.

Inspect your brakes thoroughly

Your brakes need to be working at its best, especially during the winter. If your brakes are squealing or grating, it's best to get them checked immediately. 

Moreover, if you're taking the car out after a while, start off slowly to allow the discs, callipers and the handbrake to warm up gradually.

Check if it's time for a service

Like several of the tips above, this one's essential all year round. However, the adverse wintry conditions make this one just the more necessary.

You're typically advised to get a major service every 20,000km. You can always consult the vehicle manufacturer's guide if you're unsure. Alternatively, you could just ask one of the resident auto service experts at Service My Car. 

With hassle-free service packages, they can guide you to choose precisely what's required for your car. Get prepared for the winter by booking a service package at Service My Car today.

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Opel Zafira Maintenance in Dubai

Getting your Opel Zafira serviced regularly is vital. However, did you know that there are many other services you can carry out in between your routine Opel Zafira maintenance? Have a look at our comprehensive guide to understand how to get your Opel Zafira maintenance In Dubai. There are a lot of modern automotive solutions in this region, like MySyara. However, quality assurance and trust is what you need with automotive maintenance. That’s precisely what you get with Service My Car. 

Get a Opel Zafira AC repair in Dubai

Having a weak AC in your Opel Zafira can be a severe issue in a region like Dubai. While newer models from your Opel Zafira offer top AC and cooling features, specific problems tend to arise after a prolonged period of AC usage. 

Whether it’s an issue with the blower hose, or general ventilation issues, it can make your trip go south quickly. However, there’s nothing to fear when you have modern automotive solutions like Service My Car. You can get the best Opel Zafira AC repair Dubai has to offer by simply requesting a quote.

Avail a Opel Zafira oil change in Dubai

We’ve already covered it plenty of times here, but it never hurts to be repeatedly stated. Getting an engine oil change at the right time will immensely improve the performance of your Opel Zafira. Sometimes, you don’t even need a complete Opel Zafira service in Dubai. For such occasions, you can’t go wrong with getting a Opel Zafira oil change. 

 

With Service My Car, you can avail the most hassle-free Opel Zafira oil change Dubai has to offer. You can either book a Opel Zafira service package, or request a quote if you require specific oil for your Opel Zafira. 

Get a Opel Zafira transmission repair in Dubai

Having a smooth ride is a priority for anyone. If your Opel Zafira is a newer model, then you don’t really have to worry too much about that. However, if you’ve got a slightly older Opel Zafira, you might need to inspect the transmission. 

 

Fortunately, we’ve got the best Opel Zafira transmission repair in Dubai. Whether you want a Opel Zafira gearbox overhaul, or just Opel Zafira transmission programming, we do it all. You can request a quote for your transmission repair at Service My Car.

Find a reliable Opel Zafira roadside assistance 

It’s best to stay on top of such issues, as you don’t want to be met by your Opel Zafira not starting in the morning. Watch out for any electrical problems in your Opel Zafira. Issues such as your headlights not working, or your cabin lights being dimmer than usual, are ones to watch out for. 

You also don’t want to be stranded on the road because of a flat tyre in Dubai. All in all, it’s best to have a reliable Opel Zafira roadside assistance service for such cases. Whether you need flat tyre services, flat battery services, or a Opel Zafira recovery in Dubai, we do it all. Get tyre replacements from the best Opel Zafira tyre shop in Dubai with Service My Car. 

 

At Service My Car, we provide all battery-related services for your Opel Zafira. Whether you have a flat battery in Dubai, or you want hassle-free car battery replacement in Dubai, you get the best mechanics working with the supply from the best Opel Zafira battery shops in Dubai. 

Routinely inspect your vehicle with Opel Zafira scanning and diagnostics in Dubai

Regardless of how experienced you are with your Opel Zafira, there’s only so much your eye can perceive about the health of your Opel Zafira. For a more intensive study, look no further than getting Opel Zafira scanning and diagnostics in Dubai. Such intensive checks also help you when it comes to getting a Opel Zafira pre-purchase inspection in Dubai. 

Service My Car uses state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology to give you a thorough and well-detailed health report. You get the best Opel Zafira scanning and diagnostics Dubai has to offer with us. 

Avail a Opel Zafira engine repair in Dubai

The engine is the heart of your Opel Zafira. Sometimes, getting a Opel Zafira engine repair in Dubai gives your car a new life. Whether you’re looking for Opel Zafira engine tuning, Opel Zafira engine detailing, or just a general Opel Zafira engine diagnosis, we do it all. 

 

There are other instances where you may have to get a Opel Zafira timing belt replacement. You can avail a Opel Zafira timing belt replacement in Dubai with Service My Car. Get all your engine needs sorted with Service My Car. Request a quote now.  

Get a Opel Zafira wheel alignment in Dubai

Notice any vibrations while driving? Or any irregular steering? Chances are you probably require wheel alignment or tyre balancing for your Opel Zafira. 

 

You can get both of them at Service My Car. Simply request a quote and fill in all necessary details to get a Opel Zafira wheel alignment in Dubai with Service My Car. 

Take care of the cosmetics when it comes to your Opel Zafira

It’s not always that you’ll require a Opel Zafira repair in Dubai. Especially in a region like Dubai, you must pay special attention to the appearance of your car. Not only will it give your Opel Zafira some cosmetic appeal, it’ll also enhance its resale value in the long run. 

 

Our special cosmetics division at Service My Car will handle all such needs for your Opel Zafira. You can avail a routine car wash in Dubai for your Opel Zafira.  With special attention towards COVID-19, we also offer car sanitization in Dubai for your Opel Zafira. 

For better protection and a long-lasting shine, you can avail the best Opel Zafira detailing in Dubai at Service My Car. Speaking of protection, it’s vital to have Opel Zafira tinting in Dubai. You can enjoy premium 3M tinting services at Service My Car. 

If you find yourself dealing with the misfortune of an accident, you can get swift and easy Opel Zafira scratch and dent repair in Dubai. Moreover, you can also deal with cracks on your windshield in no time thanks to our Opel Zafira windshield replacement in Dubai. 

New or used, your Opel Zafira is an investment. It deserves the love and care of experienced and qualified Opel Zafira technicians. That’s precisely what you’ll find in our partner Opel Zafira garage in Dubai. Booking a service or repair with Service My Car ensures your Opel Zafira gets taken care of at the best Opel Zafira workshop in Dubai. 

If you’re out of your agency contract and you’re looking for a Opel Zafira service, leave it to us. We’ll ensure your Opel Zafira gets top-notch maintenance at the finest Opel Zafira service center in Dubai. Quality assurance and service guarantees are something you can’t get from automotive solutions like GoMechanic Dubai. That’s where Service My Car comes in with a 12-month genuine parts and labour warranty with all services. 

Whether you’re looking for a Opel Zafira service in Dubai, or you want to get a Opel Zafira repair in Dubai, we do it all. Book a Opel Zafira service package, or request a quote for a Opel Zafira repair today. 

Know what’s even better? Getting it all done from your phone. We’ve got your back there too. You can use our car service app for Android or our car service app for iOS to get all your car maintenance needs sorted at the tap of a button. Download the Service My Car app today.