There’s something poetic about driving in the monsoon—the smell of wet mud, the blur of raindrops on your windshield, a road winding through misty hills, and your favourite playlist playing softly in the background. It’s the season when a weekend drive becomes more than just a commute—it becomes an experience.

But behind that beauty is a truth all too familiar for Indian drivers: rains also bring chaos. Slippery roads, waterlogged streets, unpredictable traffic, hidden potholes, and reduced visibility can turn a peaceful drive into a nerve-wracking one in minutes.

As you prepare to head out and enjoy the season, here are 7 monsoon driving tips for 2025, designed with Indian roads—and habits—in mind.

1. Get Your Tyres Monsoon-Ready

Your tyres are literally where the rubber meets the road. In the rains, that contact becomes even more critical. Worn-out tyres with low tread depth increase the chances of hydroplaning—when your car glides uncontrollably over a film of water.

Make sure your tyres have at least 2.5mm of tread and are free of cracks or bulges. Check the air pressure too—underinflated tyres can mess with handling, while overinflated ones reduce grip. If your car is more than a few years old, and you’re planning long drives, consider switching to tyres that are designed to perform better in wet conditions.

2. Slow Down—Speed and Rain Don’t Mix

It may be tempting to enjoy the smooth expressway or that empty countryside road, but speed is your enemy when the roads are wet. Even a thin layer of water can drastically reduce traction, especially if you brake or turn suddenly.

Drive slower than usual. Accelerate gently. Brake earlier than you normally would. And always maintain a longer gap between you and the vehicle ahead. Monsoon driving is about flow—not force.

3. Wipers, Washer Fluid & Visibility Checks

Ever been caught in a downpour with wipers that smear instead of clear? It’s a horrible feeling. Before monsoon kicks in, check if your wiper blades are working cleanly. If they’re squeaking, skipping, or leaving streaks—it’s time to replace them.

Also, make sure your windshield washer reservoir is full and has a decent cleaning solution mixed in. Keep the defogger functional—foggy windshields in traffic are dangerous. And if your AC helps in clearing internal fog, don’t hesitate to use it.

4. Brake Smooth, Not Hard

Your braking habits need a tweak in the rains. Sudden braking on wet roads can lead to skidding. And if you’re driving through waterlogged streets, your brake pads might feel sluggish for a few minutes.

Use engine braking when possible (that is, shifting down instead of slamming the brakes). And after you’ve driven through water, gently press the brake a couple of times—it helps dry out the discs and gets them back to full strength.

5. Don’t Charge Through Waterlogged Roads

We’ve all seen it—SUVs splashing through water like it’s a rally track. But in real life, driving through deep water can spell disaster. If the water level looks like it’s anywhere near your bumper, or above your wheel’s centre, it’s best not to risk it.

Water can enter your car’s air intake or short-circuit electronic components. If you absolutely must go through, do it slowly and steadily, without changing gears or speed midway. And once you're out—check your brakes, and if possible, your engine bay.

6. Use Your Lights Right—And Say No to Hazard Lights in Rain

When it’s raining, turn on your headlights even during the day. It makes your car more visible to others, especially on highways or during heavy showers. Always stick to low beam—high beams reflect off water droplets and make it harder for you (and others) to see.

Now here’s a public service announcement: don’t use your hazard lights while driving in the rain. It’s a widespread habit in India, but it’s a dangerous one. Hazard lights are meant to indicate that your vehicle is stopped or in distress—not just that it’s raining. When your hazards are on, your turn indicators don’t work, which confuses the drivers behind you.

Use fog lamps only when visibility is truly poor and always drive like someone might make a mistake around you. Because chances are—someone will.

7. Pack an Emergency Kit & Go Digital

Monsoon is full of surprises—landslides in hilly areas, flooded roads in cities, or unexpected breakdowns. Be ready with a basic emergency kit: a flashlight, first-aid box, tow rope, power bank, tyre inflator or puncture kit, and a reflective triangle.

Also, download your route maps offline. Sometimes GPS fails, especially in the ghats or remote areas. And do a quick check on your insurance papers, PUC, and roadside assistance details—because help only works if you can reach it.

Final Thoughts: Drive Like You Respect the Season

The monsoon is one of the most beautiful times to hit the road—but it’s also one of the trickiest. Don’t rush. Don’t assume. Don’t copy that guy in the fast lane.

Instead, slow down. Take in the view. Enjoy the sound of the rain. Drive like someone who knows the value of getting there safe.

Because the goal isn’t just to reach—it’s to remember the drive.