Caution When Driving in the Rainy Season: Wading Care Strategies for New Energy Commercial Vehicles

In the past month or so, the southern regions have been continuously hit by heavy rains, and the rainfall in many areas has refreshed historical records. When driving during the rainy season, vehicles often have to wade through water. After all, automobiles are not designed for amphibious use, and even the shallowest puddles should not be taken lightly to avoid unnecessary troubles.

Today, we have prepared a comprehensive guide on the correct way to drive during the rainy season. By learning some small skills, you may find driving much easier and safer.

I. Risks of Wading for New Energy Commercial Vehicles in the Rainy Season

A. סוֹלְלָה – related Risks

The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle, and its importance cannot be overstated. In rainy weather, the air is humid with a high moisture content. Although the battery is equipped with moisture – proof protection on the outside, there is always a small risk of water ingress. When the vehicle wades through water, even a small amount of water getting into the battery can lead to serious consequences. Water – damaged batteries may experience short – circuits, which can not only cause a sudden loss of power during driving but also pose a significant safety hazard, potentially leading to fires or explosions in extreme cases.

B. Chassis – related Risks

The chassis is the part closest to the ground and is severely affected by road conditions. In rainy seasons, the constant exposure to water and mud makes it highly vulnerable to corrosion. The wading process can wash away the original protective coatings on the chassis, and the presence of water, combined with the salts and other substances in the road runoff, accelerates the corrosion process. בְּנוֹסַף, the impact of wading on the chassis can cause components such as the wheel hubs to loosen or even perforate over time, which may lead to abnormal vibrations during driving and affect the overall stability and safety of the vehicle.

C. Headlight – related Risks

Rainy weather makes it easier for water to enter the headlights. Once water gets into the headlights, it not only reduces the brightness of the lights but also changes the direction of light irradiation. This can significantly affect the driver’s visibility, especially at night or in low – light conditions. Inadequate lighting can make it difficult for the driver to identify road conditions, pedestrians, and other vehicles, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

D. Paint – related Risks

The acidic components in rainwater have a strong corrosive effect on the vehicle’s paint surface. Prolonged exposure to rainwater during the rainy season can gradually damage the paint, leading to fading, peeling, and rusting. The damaged paint not only affects the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle but also exposes the underlying metal to the elements, further accelerating the corrosion process of the vehicle body.

II. Wading Care Strategies for New Energy Commercial Vehicles

A. Battery Care

Pre – wading Inspection

Before driving through a water – filled area, it is essential to conduct a preliminary inspection of the battery. Check the battery enclosure for any visible signs of damage or cracks. Ensure that all the seals around the battery are intact. If there are any doubts about the integrity of the battery’s protection, it is advisable to avoid wading through deep water.

Post – wading Inspection

After wading, immediately check the battery for water ingress. Open the battery compartment cover carefully. Look for any signs of water accumulation inside the compartment. If there is water, do not start the vehicle immediately. Instead, contact a professional maintenance personnel. They will use specialized equipment to test the battery’s voltage, resistance, and other parameters to determine whether the battery has been damaged. If the battery has only a small amount of water ingress, it may be possible to dry it thoroughly and conduct further tests. However, if the battery has been severely affected by water, it may need to be replaced to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.

Regular Maintenance

In addition to inspections before and after wading, regular maintenance of the battery is also crucial. Check the battery’s charging and discharging efficiency regularly. A decrease in efficiency may indicate potential problems with the battery. Clean the battery terminals regularly to prevent corrosion, as corroded terminals can affect the electrical connection and lead to power – supply issues.

B. Chassis Care

Cleaning

After wading, the first step is to clean the chassis thoroughly. Use high – pressure water jets to remove all the mud, sand, and debris stuck to the chassis. Pay special attention to the areas around the wheel hubs, suspension components, and the underbody. Make sure that no dirt is left behind, as these can trap moisture and accelerate corrosion.

Rust – proof Treatment

Once the chassis is clean and dry, it is time to apply a rust – proof treatment. There are various rust – proof coatings available on the market. A professional rust – proof treatment can form a protective layer on the chassis surface, preventing the penetration of water and oxygen, which are the main causes of rust. The rust – proof effect can usually last for about 3 months, but it may vary depending on the quality of the coating and the driving environment. Regularly check the condition of the rust – proof layer. If there are any signs of peeling or damage, re – apply the coating in a timely manner.

Component Inspection

Inspect all the chassis components, such as the suspension system, steering components, and brake lines. Check for any signs of looseness, deformation, or damage. Tighten any loose bolts and nuts. If there are any damaged components, replace them immediately. For example, a damaged suspension spring can affect the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort, and a leaking brake line can lead to serious braking problems.

C. Headlight Care

Inspection for Water Ingress

After driving in the rain, check the headlights for water ingress. If there is water inside the headlights, it will usually appear as fog or water droplets on the inner surface of the lens. If you notice such a situation, do not ignore it.

Removing Water Vapor

If the water ingress is not severe and only appears as water vapor, you can try to remove it by turning on both the headlights and the high – beams simultaneously. Let them operate for about an hour. During this time, the heat generated by the bulbs can help evaporate the water vapor. After an hour, turn off the lights and check if the water vapor has disappeared. If it has, it is likely that the water ingress was due to a loose seal on the bulb socket. In this case, you can tighten the socket or replace the seal to prevent future water ingress.

Repairing Severe Water Ingress

If the water vapor does not disappear after an hour, it may indicate a more serious problem, such as a leak at the adhesive joint of the headlight housing. In this case, you need to clean the adhesive joint thoroughly. Use a suitable cleaning agent to remove any dirt, grease, or old adhesive. After cleaning, let the area dry completely. Then, apply a high – quality automotive sealant to the joint. Make sure to apply the sealant evenly and smoothly. If you are not confident in your repair skills, it is best to take the vehicle to a professional repair shop for proper repair.

D. Paint Care

Washing

After driving in the rain, especially after wading through water, wash the vehicle as soon as possible. Use a mild car wash detergent and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the vehicle body. Pay attention to the lower part of the vehicle, where mud and water tend to accumulate. Thoroughly clean the gaps and recesses to prevent the accumulation of dirt and moisture.

Waxing

Waxing is a simple and effective way to protect the vehicle’s paint. Wax can form a protective film on the paint surface, which can resist the corrosion of rainwater and other contaminants. Choose a high – quality car wax suitable for your vehicle’s paint. Apply the wax evenly on the paint surface, following the instructions on the wax product. Waxing should be done regularly, usually every 1 – 2 months, depending on the driving environment and frequency of use.

Glazing

For a more long – lasting and effective paint protection, consider glazing. Glazing involves applying a special protective coating to the paint surface. This coating forms a hard and durable layer that can provide better protection against scratches, UV rays, and the corrosive effects of rainwater. The glazing process is more complex than waxing and usually requires professional equipment and skills. However, the protection effect can last for several years, making it a cost – effective option in the long run.

לסיכום, driving new energy commercial vehicles in the rainy season requires extra caution. By following these wading care strategies for the battery, chassis, headlights, and paint, you can effectively protect your vehicle, ensure its safe operation, and extend its service life. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and taking good care of your vehicle during the rainy season can save you a lot of trouble and costs in the long term.