Delhi's monsoon brings waterlogged roads, muddy splashes and damp cabins. Here is what to check before the rains, how to handle flooded roads, and how to protect the body, underbody and cabin.
Before the monsoon: a quick check
The rains in Delhi usually arrive around late June or July and continue into September. A short check before then saves trouble later.
- Wiper blades: replace them if they streak or judder. You will need them every day.
- Tyres: check the tread depth and pressure. Worn tyres lose grip on wet roads.
- Lights: make sure headlights, brake lights and indicators all work.
- Door and boot seals: look for cracked or loose rubber that could let water in.
- Drain holes: door bottoms and sunroof drains can block with dust. Ask your mechanic to clear them.
- Paint protection: a fresh wax layer helps water bead and run off, and makes mud easier to wash away.
Driving through waterlogged roads
Underpasses and low-lying stretches across Delhi can flood after heavy rain. Water hides potholes, open drains and debris.
- Avoid driving through water if you cannot judge its depth. Wait or take another route.
- If you must cross, go slowly and steadily in a low gear. Do not stop midway.
- Do not follow too closely behind larger vehicles; their wake can push water higher.
- If the engine stalls in deep water, do not try to restart it. Water drawn into the engine can cause serious damage. Call for a tow.
- After crossing water, brake gently a few times to help dry the brakes.
Mud, splashes and the underbody
Rain does not clean a car. It leaves spots as it dries, and wet roads throw mud onto the lower doors, bumpers and wheel arches.
Mud underneath the car is easy to forget. It holds moisture against metal parts and brake components, and it can hide rust starting.
- Wash the car after muddy drives, not just when it looks dirty from the top.
- Rinse the wheel arches and underbody, where mud collects.
- Soak dried mud before wiping. It contains sand and can scratch the paint.
- Do not use a waterless or dry-wipe method on a muddy car.
Mobidoi's Super Foam Wash costs ₹299 (hatchback) / ₹399 (sedan & SUV). It includes a foam exterior wash, mats and glass cleaning, and engine bay and underbody cleaning, done at your doorstep.
Damp interiors, mould and musty smells
The monsoon's biggest hidden problem is inside the car. Wet shoes, umbrellas and the odd open window bring water in. With humid air and closed windows, it has nowhere to go.
Damp carpets and seats soon start to smell musty. Left longer, mould can grow under the mats or on fabric.
How to keep the cabin dry
- Take wet mats out and let them dry fully before putting them back.
- Keep wet umbrellas in a bag or a container, not on the floor.
- Run the AC for a while on humid days. It removes moisture from the cabin air.
- On dry, sunny days, open the doors for a while to air the car out.
- Use a moisture absorber pack if the car stays parked for long.
- If the carpet is wet with no obvious cause, look for a leak at the seals or drains.
Cleaning removes smell and grime, but it cannot fix a leak. If water keeps getting in, get the source repaired first.
When the cabin needs a deep clean
If your car smells musty even after drying out, or the carpets show water marks and stains, a deep clean helps.
Mobidoi's Interior Deep Cleaning costs ₹1,499 (hatchback) / ₹1,599 (sedan & SUV). It covers seat upholstery, the roof lining, floor liner and carpets, door panels, and spot and stain removal. It is a good reset at the end of the monsoon.
For more on tackling odours, read our guide on removing a bad smell from your car.
Parking in the monsoon
- Avoid low spots in lanes and parking lots that collect water.
- Avoid parking under trees in storms. Branches can fall, and leaves block drains and wiper wells.
- Clear leaves from the area below the windscreen, where water drains away.
- If you use a car cover, make sure the car and cover are dry, so moisture is not trapped.
A simple monsoon routine
- After every muddy drive. Rinse the lower body, wheel arches and underbody.
- Every week. Wash the car, dry the mats, and air out the cabin on a dry day.
- When you notice a smell. Find the damp, dry it, then clean the affected area.
- End of the season. Book an interior deep clean and add a fresh wax layer.
Want regular washes through the rains? Our monthly car cleaning plans include a plan with 4 foam washes a month. Message us on WhatsApp or call +91 93105 79236.
