Protect your car from the Big Wet

While rain continues to affect the ACT, the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) has issued advice to help motorists protect their vehicles from the wet.
NRMA Chief Operating Officer, Mr Peter Steele, said NRMA road
service patrols had helped more than 1,223 stranded motorists in
the Canberra region since Monday when heavy rain began.Mr Steele said motorists could take simple steps to minimise the
effect of the wet weather on their cars."The critical areas of wet weather protection include engine
cleaning and servicing, guarding against water entry, ensuring
driver visibility, brake checks and tyre protection," Mr Steele
said.In order for motorists be safer in wet weather and to protect
their cars from rain:Drive slowly through deep puddles. Trying to speed through can
seize up the engine. Puddles may be much deeper than they
appear.After driving through water, immediately check that brakes are
working properly.Ensure windscreen wiper blades, heaters, and air-conditioning
are all functional. Clean the inside of the windscreen to assist
visibility.Make sure tyre tread has sufficient depth. Tyres with a deep
tread act as pump to clear water from the car's path and help grip
the road.Keep the engine clean and make the effort to regularly service
the vehicle. This increases the likelihood that car ignition won't
be affected by engine grime, which conducts water.Make sure that all door and window seals are intact. Minor
rear-end accidents can create unseen leaks into the boot, which can
cause saturation during heavy rain.Air out the car after water entry, which will prevent smells
and rust.