Here’s How to Protect Your Car’s Engine This Monsoon

Monsoon brings a sigh of relief to many people in India, and with a few simple precautions, you can ensure your car stays safe, even in areas prone to floods and waterlogging. However, with the right car insurance add-ons, you can cover your vehicle against these perils of the rainy season and ensure a safe and worry-free drive. This guide will help you discover the engine protection add-on and other essential add-on covers that you may consider opting for while buying car insurance.

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Common Risks to Your Car During the Monsoon

Since the engine is one of the most expensive parts of any vehicle, replacing or repairing it is costly. Below are some common factors that make a car's engine vulnerable to damage during monsoons:

• Poor visibility
• Slippery roads with potholes
• Hydroplaning

The ingression of water and mud into the engine causes significant damage, leading to substantial repair expenses and mental distress. Moreover, starting the engine on a water-logged road can further propel damage.

This situation may result in a 'Hydrostatic Lock,' basically the engine seizure. Hence, it becomes imperative to know the precautions to take and the right car insurance add-ons to protect your car's engine from such situations.

Engine Protection Add-on: Your Car's Savior During Monsoon

An 'Engine Protect' add-on offers coverage for engine repair or replacement caused due to water ingress, safeguarding the core components of your car and ensuring a hassle-free driving experience. The 'Engine Protection' add-on also offers coverage against damage due to oil leakage and gearbox failure, thereby providing exhaustive protection to your car's engine.

You can opt for the Engine Protection add-on while buying or renewing your comprehensive car insurance for a slightly extra premium and get your car covered for the losses or damages arising out of water ingress.

Other Important Car Insurance Add-Ons for Monsoon

If you live in a flood-prone area or areas where even a little rain can cause havoc on the road, make sure you invest in these useful add-ons while buying or renewing car insurance. Besides the 'Engine Protect', here are some other essential add-ons you can opt for when you buy or renew car insurance and save yourself from unexpected expenses during monsoon:

1. Zero Depreciation Add-on Cover: A Complete Care

   Also known as a bumper-to-bumper cover, this add-on is very important to prepare your car during monsoon season as the chances of damages due to rains or slippery roads are higher during monsoon.

   Usually, when a car or its parts sustain damages, the depreciation cost is not covered, making you pay for this depreciation amount. With a zero-dep add-on, you can easily get compensated for the full cost of repairs or replacements without considering depreciation.

2. Roadside Assistance Add-on: Knight in Shining Armor

   Rains are not beneficial for our four-wheelers. There can be incidents when our four-wheeler breaks down in between the road and becomes immobile due to rain. In such a scenario, a roadside assistance cover can be very helpful for you.

   By purchasing this add-on, you can get roadside assistance whenever your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road. A repair person will be sent to your location to repair the damage. Services like fuel support, flat tyre assistance, basic towing etc., are offered under this cover.

3. Return to Invoice Add-on: Zero Financial Setbacks

   A Return to Invoice add-on cover is beneficial when your vehicle suffers a total loss due to theft or damage beyond repairs. Usually, when a car suffers a total loss, the insurer compensates only the IDV of the vehicle, which is equal to the depreciated value of the showroom price.

   However, if you have this add-on, you will receive the full invoice value (market value) of the car at the time of claim settlement, thus saving you from any financial loss.

4. Consumables Add-on: Fueling Your Car's Well-Being

   While driving in heavy rains, your car's consumables, such as engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, may deplete faster than usual. Comprehensive car insurance does not cover any repair or replacement of these consumable parts.

   Therefore, buying consumables cover becomes essential during monsoon season. This cover keeps your car well-fueled and functioning optimally, even in the harshest monsoon conditions.

Tips to Protect Your Car's Engine During Monsoon

To ensure optimal protection for your car and its engine, just follow these simple guidelines:

1. Select the Appropriate Engine Oil: Always use high-quality engine oil that offers sufficient lubrication and protection against moisture. Engine oil with lower viscosity will ensure proper circulation during cold starts.
2. Safeguard the Air Intake System: Check if the air intake system is sealed properly to prevent it from water ingress. Driving through deep water or flooded roads can accelerate hydro locking, causing severe damage to the engine. Hence, avoid such scenarios completely.
3. Thoroughly Inspect the Electrical System: To minimize the risk of electrical issues in your car during the monsoon, you should regularly check the battery and wiring. Consider using a waterproof coating on the exposed electrical parts for added protection.
4. Proper Functioning of the Cooling System: Your car's cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. Examine the radiator for any leaks while confirming the proper functioning of the cooling fan. Strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations while flushing and refilling coolant. Moreover, constantly monitor the temperature gauge while driving to notice any anomalies.
5. Always Keep the Car Clean and Dry: Maintain a clean car to prevent dirt, debris and moisture from accumulating in the engine bay. Check that rubber seals and gaskets are in good condition to prevent water from entering vulnerable areas.

Cost of Car Insurance Add-ons

If you are wondering how much these car insurance add-ons will cost you, here is a table stating the estimated cost of these covers for a brand new TATA Nexon Smart 1.2 Petrol model for DL01 RTO in February 2025:

• TATA Nexon Price (Ex-Showroom): Rs. 8.00 Lakh
• Insured Declared Value: Rs. 7.60 Lakh

Summing this up, the estimated TATA Nexon insurance price for a bundled policy (Own Damages + Third Party Liabilities) along with these add-ons starts from Rs. 16, 637.

Wrapping Up!

The monsoon season can be harsh on your car. Waterlogging and slippery roads pose significant risks to your vehicle. While a comprehensive car policy offers decent coverage, it does not cover everything. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider these add-ons, particularly the 'Engine Protection' cover, for exhaustive car protection. To get these add-ons at reasonable prices, you can easily compare car insurance on Policybazaar.com before making a final purchase.