The festive season has already begun, with Diwali approaching in less than a week. Everyone is excited and is preparing for the festivals with excitement and happiness. On the day of the festivals, people will dress and visit their families to distribute joy and cheer to everyone. This is a very special period.
However, during all this hustle and bustle, you may forget to take care of an essential thing. This is the backbone of every festival nowadays, as it facilitates and eases a lot of work for us. And that thing is nothing but our cars. They have become an integral part of Indian families as they help the families travel to their loved ones’ houses, run endless errands during the festival time, and keep the family safe from any kind of danger that may arise. This makes it important for us to take good care of our cars.
Firstly, we need to understand the risks involved:
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Fire hazards from fireworks
The use of firecrackers is dangerous because they have the potential to cause fire-related incidents that may be life-threatening. Sparks from firecrackers may ignite flammable materials present around them.
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Environmental factors
Diwali is known to be associated with pollution that is caused because of firecrackers. Amidst that pollution, it is important to keep the vehicle clean from inside and outside. This is to make sure that no kind of pollutants stay on the vehicle for a long time, thus causing damage to the paint or the interior of the vehicle.
The following tips may be kept in mind during this festive season:
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The sunroof and Windows should be closed
Diwali is a time when people burst firecrackers in plenty. People use different kinds of firecrackers that may go high in the sky and burst, creating a picturesque scenario.
However, during that time, ashes or other ignited material may get inside the car if the windows or sunroof are open. These materials have the potential to ignite the flammable materials present inside the vehicle, which may include seat covers, tissue boxes, sanitisers, etc.
Therefore, it becomes imperative that the owners ensure that their vehicles are parked with their windows and sunroofs closed adequately.
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Car covers should be avoided
Several car owners use car covers to protect their cars from direct sunlight, dust, water, etc. However, the owners should ensure they are not using any kind of car cover during the Diwali season.
This is because the car covers are made from different materials like polypropylene, Tyvek, imitation satin, etc., and these materials may be prone to fire. People burst firecrackers and if any parked vehicles are around, having a car cover, the flames or sparks from it may cause the cover to catch fire, which can damage and even destroy the entire vehicle.
Therefore, car covers should be avoided during this time, and cars should be parked without them.
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Park in covered areas only
Whenever possible, park the car in a covered area only. This will ensure that it is not exposed to fireworks and that it is away from all kinds of environmental pollutants.
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Be aware of your surroundings
When driving during Diwali festivities, always be vigilant for children and other pedestrians who may be lighting fireworks on the road.
Other than this, always look for firecrackers on the road, as they may not be visible at first. So, drive slowly and assess the roads before driving. Firecrackers may burst suddenly, leading to situations escalating quickly.
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Keep a portable fire extinguisher near
The festival of Diwali is associated with the use of items like diyas and fireworks. But one needs to be careful while being in contact with these items.
So always keep a fire extinguisher in the car to handle any kind of unfortunate incident that may arise. Although it should be in the car all year round, it becomes critical to have extinguishers nearby during festivals.
It should be checked for functionality at regular intervals and be easily accessible to all passengers.
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Keep a First Aid Kit handy
A first aid kit can be invaluable in case of accidents or injuries that may be caused by fireworks or any other unfortunate incidents during the festivities.
This helps address the injury immediately and provide basic help to a victim. Certain essential items should always be in the kit, like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, scissors, and burn ointment.
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Wash your vehicle in regular intervals
During the festival, the interior and exterior of the vehicles are exposed to different kinds of environmental pollutants associated with the bursting of firecrackers.
If these pollutants are not removed from the surface of the vehicle, there is a chance that those particles may damage the paint. The residues from fireworks react with moisture and can lead to rusting if they are not cleaned within time.
So, washing your car regularly ensures that these pollutants are removed thoroughly, thereby giving your car a prolonged shine.
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Avoid leaving valuable items in the car
Everyone in this country will celebrate Diwali and other festivals this upcoming week. However, during this time, some elements of society may be specifically on the lookout to cause trouble. In simple terms, there may be thieves who would be willing to spoil your festive spirit to make some money for themselves.
They do this by breaking into parked cars and stealing valuable items, including the vehicle itself. To prevent this, ensure that your vehicles are locked properly and that no valuable item is left unguarded in the car, especially at night or in shady areas.
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Document your Vehicle’s Condition
This may seem far-fetched for some readers, but it is also an important tip. Before the festivities begin, always take pictures of your parked vehicle in well-lit areas. This will serve as evidence for insurance claims in case any damage is caused during the festivities. It will also help you streamline and fast-track the claim procedure.
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Drive responsibly
Festivals are a great time for families and friends to meet and enjoy themselves. People visit each other and spread the joy associated with the festival. So, if you are planning to drive during these festivities, kindly ensure that you are not indulging in risky behaviour, like the consumption of alcohol.
This will not only be risky for people who are inside the car but also for the people who are on the road. Responsible driving ensures that everyone in your vicinity is celebrating this festivity period with safety.
Celebrating Diwali is a joyful period for everyone, but it is also necessary to remain vigilant regarding vehicle safety. The risks associated with vehicles increase multi-fold due to the presence of fireworks and pollution. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that the vehicles are in proper condition, and you can continue to celebrate the festivities with the joy and excitement that is associated with the festival.
