Monsoon in India is beautiful and chaotic at the same time. The land becomes lush green, and the city looks beautiful, but the roads, well, they can be complete chaos.
A reliable, high-ground clearance and safety car becomes necessary if you live in a city with monsoon road flooding and poor road conditions. Moreover, you want safety for your family when traveling for fun in the rain.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the 7 must-check features for monsoon driving before you buy a car. We will list the best car features for rain with monsoon car buying tips and even monsoon car care tips.
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Features to Check Before You Buy a New Car in Monsoon
Before you go out and buy that monsoon-ready car in India, you have to know what the monsoon-relevant features mean. It helps you check them or ask about them in a showroom, and finally make an informed decision. Here are the best car features for rain:
1. Robust Braking System
Your car’s braking should be controlled, stable, and efficient on slippery surfaces. A robust car braking system ensures it has shorter stopping distances, and the wheels don’t lock up during emergency braking
Look for features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), which work together to optimize braking force on each wheel.
Moreover, the disc brakes offer better performance than disc/drum combinations, and you should also test the pedal feel, which should be firm.
2. High-Traction Tires
High-traction tires (all-season or performance-oriented) have specific tread patterns and rubber compounds. On waterlogged roads, these tires disperse water efficiently, prevent hydroplaning (losing grip), and also maintain shorter wet braking distances.
You can check for substantial tread depth, asymmetric patterns, sipes (slits), TPMS (tire Pressure Monitoring System), and brand in the car’s tires in the showroom or just ask the salesperson to explain about it.
3. Decent Ground Clearance
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of your car’s underbody and the road. This feature is vital to prevent car scraping on the underside of broken roads, potholes, or speed breakers. The car can also wade through water easily without water ingress.
Look at the specifications of the car. The ground clearance is generally mentioned in millimeters (mm). For instance, a ground clearance of 170mm or more is generally considered decent for Indian roads.
Here are nine cars in India with good ground clearance.
4. ADAS System (Advanced Driver-Assistance System)
These systems use sensors (radar, cameras, ultrasonic) to monitor the car’s surroundings and provide alerts or even intervene to prevent accidents. Their effectiveness can be slightly reduced in extreme weather, but they still provide crucial assistance in monsoon conditions.
This system can alert you to potential dangers you might miss due to reduced visibility or distraction. It can even actively apply brakes or steer the car to avoid or mitigate a collision.
Features like Adaptive Cruise Control can reduce stress on highways during light to moderate rain.
Ask the salesperson what “level” of ADAS the car offers (e.g., Level 1, Level 2). This indicates the extent of automation. Get a clear list of the specific ADAS features available in the variant you’re considering.
You can also take a test drive or a demo at the showroom. Expect to see features like:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Cars like Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate come equipped with Level 2 ADAS.
5. Safety Rating (Global NCAP / Bharat NCAP)
This isn’t directly about driving during the monsoon but surviving an accident, which is unfortunately more likely in adverse conditions. A high rating indicates that the car’s body shell is robust and can withstand significant impact
Higher-rated cars usually come standard with essential active and passive safety features like ABS and ESC. Ask the salesperson for the car’s Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP safety rating.
For instance, the Tata Nexon has consistently achieved a 5-star safety rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP crash tests.
6. Powerful Lights
Powerful and effective lights ensure you see the road (potholes, debris, or standing water) and are seen clearly by the other drivers. Well-designed lights also reduce glare and distribute light effectively without blinding oncoming traffic.
You can ask the salesperson to demonstrate the headlights, fog lights, taillights, brake lights, hazard lights, etc. Modern cars have energy-efficient and long-lasting LEDs now.
7. Effective Wiper Blades
Good wiper blades quickly and thoroughly sweep water, mud, and grime off the windshield and are more durable. Rear wipers are equally important, too.
You can quickly inspect the wiper blades and spray water in the showroom.
Bonus (for Electric Vehicles)
8. High IP (Ingress Protection) Rating for EVs
The IP rating tells you how well electrical enclosures (like the battery pack and motor) are sealed against solid particles (dust) and liquids (water). A good IP rating prevents short circuits, corrosion, and costly damage to the battery and motor, even if you drive through standing water.
The first digit (0-6) indicates protection against solids. ‘6’ means “dust tight.” The second digit (0-8) indicates protection against water.
IP67 means protected against dust and temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IP68 means protected against various dust types and immersion in water to a depth of 4 meters.
Ask the salesperson about the IP rating and what level of water ingress it can handle. Tata Punch EV has an IP67 rating, and the MG ZS EV has a more advanced IP69K rating in India.
9. Predictive Braking (Regenerative Braking Blending) in EVs
EVs use regenerative braking, where the electric motor acts as a generator when you lift off the accelerator or press the brake. It converts kinetic energy back into electricity to recharge the battery.
“Predictive braking” or “regenerative braking blending” is how smoothly and intelligently the car combines this regenerative braking with the traditional friction brakes.
This feature prevents sudden deceleration and gives a consistent braking feel. You can slow down gradually in an emergency without unsettling the car.
This feature is best assessed during a test drive. Try lifting your foot off the accelerator and observe how smoothly the car decelerates. You can also ask the salesperson to explain the details of this feature.
10 Best Cars to Buy for Indian Rainy Roads
A car with good ground clearance and stable handling is a blessing during India’s monsoon season, where waterlogging and potholes are common. Here are 10 cars you can consider buying (low to mid-range) that also have good monsoon handling with good ground clearance. Explore and try to test drive these cars to find out the best car for rainy season in India.
1. Tata Punch: It has a ground clearance of 187 mm. It has an excellent ground clearance for a micro-SUV, a robust build (5-star GNCAP safety rating), and a commanding driving position. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi): Rs. 6.13 – Rs. 10.20 Lakh (approx.)
2. Hyundai Exter: It has a ground clearance of 185 mm. Moreover, it has good visibility from the driver’s seat, Hyundai’s refined engines, and reliable performance. It also offers features that enhance safety and comfort. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 6.13 – Rs. 10.28 Lakh (approx.)
3. Renault Kiger/Nissan Magnite: They both have a ground clearance of 205 mm. These siblings offer segment-leading ground clearance. They also come with decent features and comfortable rides. The car prices (ex-showroom Delhi) are Kiger: Rs. 6.00 – Rs. 11.23 Lakh (approx.) and Magnite: Rs. 6.00 – Rs. 11.27 Lakh (approx.)
4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx: It has a ground clearance of 190 mm. The car has Maruti’s reliability and widespread service network. It’s a crossover-style hatchback that offers a slightly higher stance. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 7.51 – Rs. 13.04 Lakh (approx.)
5. Maruti Suzuki Brezza: It has a ground clearance of 200 mm. It’s a popular compact SUV with good ground clearance, robust build, and Maruti’s trusted engine. It offers a comfortable ride and is well-suited for varied Indian road conditions. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 8.34 – Rs. 14.14 Lakh (approx.)
6. Tata Nexon: It has a ground clearance of 209 mm. This SUV has a 5-star GNCAP safety rating for its solid build and a reputation for handling tough Indian roads well. It also offers various drive modes, including a “Wet” mode in some variants. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 8.15 – Rs. 15.80 Lakh (approx.)
7. Mahindra XUV3XO (formerly XUV300): It has a ground clearance of 190 mm. It has a solid build quality (5-star GNCAP safety rating) and a robust suspension system that can handle rough patches effectively. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 7.49 – Rs. 15.49 Lakh (approx.)
8. Hyundai Creta: It has a ground clearance of 190 mm. It’s a very popular mid-size SUV that offers a good balance of ground clearance, a comfortable ride, and a host of modern features. Its stability and predictable handling make it reliable on wet roads. It ranges from (ex-showroom Delhi) Rs. 11.00 – Rs. 20.15 Lakh
9. Skoda Slavia/Volkswagen Virtus: They both have a ground clearance of 179 mm. These cars are exceptions with segment-best ground clearance for sedans. They boast excellent ride and handling, a stable chassis, and strong build quality, which means confident driving even on wet and slightly broken roads. Their precise steering also helps. The prices for these cars are: Slavia: Rs. 11.63 – Rs. 19.99 Lakh (approx. for lower to mid variants) and Virtus: Rs. 11.56 – Rs. 19.41 Lakh (approx. for lower to mid variants)
10. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara/Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: They both have a ground clearance of 210 mm. These mid-size SUVs offer segment-leading ground clearance. They also offer optional AWD (All-Wheel Drive) in some top variants, which improves traction on slippery surfaces. The prices for these cars are: Grand Vitara: Rs. 10.80 – Rs. 19.93 Lakh (approx. for lower to mid variants) and Hyryder: Rs. 11.14 – Rs. 20.19 Lakh (approx. for lower to mid variants).
Must-Know Monsoon Car Buying Tips for Getting the Best Deals
You’ve got an understanding of what makes a car monsoon-ready. Now, let’s turn that knowledge into actionable tips for when you’re actually at the dealership. You have to ensure your investment is worth it, particularly for the monsoon conditions. Here are some practical tips before buying a car that is monsoon-ready:
1. Timing Your Purchase for Deals (and Monsoon Prep): Check online for any “Monsoon Car Offers” or “Limited Period” offers from manufacturers and dealerships and visit towards the month-end.
Dealerships are usually under pressure to hit sales targets by month-end, which makes them more receptive to negotiation. If you don’t find a deal you like, be prepared to walk away and check other dealerships or wait for a few weeks.
2. Ensure the Essential Features: Make a checklist of the best car features for rain that are explained in the above section before you buy a car. Take your time to check these traits and ask the salesperson to describe them.
3. Thorough Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): You want to ensure your car isn’t delivered with any manufacturing defects or transit damage that could worsen with monsoon exposure. This ensures all your monsoon-ready features are functioning perfectly from day one. Use a comprehensive PDI checklist so that you don’t forget anything.
4. Test Drive in Rain: Try to choose a time and location that lets you test the car in monsoon conditions. Choose a test route that includes uneven wet roads and potholes with rainwater.
5. Understand Your Insurance Coverage: A comprehensive insurance policy is essential, especially for monsoons. Discuss with your insurance provider (or the dealership’s insurance partner) what is covered under “natural calamities” and specifically “flood damage” or “hydrostatic lock.”
6. Query About Post-Purchase Monsoon Care & Service Packages: Ask the dealership about their monsoon service camps or specialized care packages. Even a monsoon-ready car needs regular maintenance. Enquire about these services so that you can budget and ensure professional care.
Some people also prefer to buy a second-hand car in good condition to save costs. In that case, ensure it has the required monsoon-relevant features. And don’t forget to get its full vehicle history, get the thorough car inspection done, and verify its fair market value.
Conclusion
Buying a car is a big decision, and checking the right features for monsoon driving saves you frustration in the rain later. Focus on the best car features for rain, like ground clearance and safety technology.
Test out as many features as you can in the showroom and remember the aforementioned monsoon car buying tips. Think long-term: what feels good today should still make sense a few years down the road.
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