Kerala in the rains is a treat to behold. The scenery becomes vibrant and lush green, the waterfalls are cascading with vigor and the air becomes soothingly cool from the dense mist. But, in order to witness this surreal view, one must drive on roads that undergo a dramatic change in weather conditions. Be it the slick and slippery coastal roads or those in the city with water logging or the mist covered twists and turns in the Western Ghats, driving in the rains in Kerala requires not just skilled driving but the correct choice of vehicles. For a holidaymaker planning for his seasonal adventure, choosing the right vehicle becomes the most important decision he makes. Renting a top-end car in Kerala helps you take the road at your leisure but knowing the dynamics of a car becomes essential to ensure your tropical escapade is fun filled, safe and totally under your command. Through this extensive guide, we evaluate which categories of cars can handle the monsoon roads of Kerala and make your experience in the tropics a memorable one.
Before we delve further into discussing the cars you could rent in Kerala during monsoons,you need to understand the challenges your car will face in Kerala. The state’s geography varies from sea level to high altitude hill stations. During the monsoon season, when the southwest monsoon rains lash Kerala, different driving challenges will arise:
● Hydroplaning on National Highways: The sudden and intense rains may result in a thin layer of water being formed on busy highways like the NH 66 that causes the tires to lose their traction.
● Water-Logged City Roads: Some low-lying urban cities such as parts of Kochi andThiruvananthapuram may experience flash floods and flooding.
● Potholes and Hidden Dangers: Water collects in all potholes on the road and thus renders them totally hidden from sight.
● Mud-Slippery Hill Stations: The routes to Munnar, Vagamon, or Wayanad become covered in mud and thus require very good grip and torque in addition to good braking abilities for steep climbs.
When booking Monsoon car rentals, make sure you opt for a car with functional ABS and EBD along with tires having a tread depth of at least 3mm for effective water evacuation.
The Undisputed Winners: Compact and Full-Sized SUVs
For handling the unpredictable rain-sodden landscape, there’s no doubt that Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Compact SUVs are the best. The very nature of their design makes them fit for handling the harshness of monsoons. The first reason why SUVs are the most preferred choice for monsoon driving is because of their high ground clearance. Cars like the Mahindra XUV700, Scorpio-N, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Creta have ground clearance between 180mm and more than 200mm. This feature is extremely useful when handling water-logged roads or uneven surfaces hidden below the surface of the puddle. It ensures that no water goes inside the exhaust pipe and helps prevent any sort of damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle. Heavy rainfall during monsoons might drastically limit the visibility level. Ordinary windshield wipers won’t suffice in the case of sheets of water falling from above. With SUVs, you get the elevated sitting arrangement that gives you a better view of the surroundings. Also, the wide tires give them a strong grip.
Those who plan a holiday can select a spacious SUV from a dependable service, which provides Kerala car hire for family trips to make sure that the people accompanying you are safe, raised above, and comfortable, despite the climatic conditions prevailing outdoors.
MPVs: Your Best Bet for Family Excursions
In case you have a larger party of people and luggage, which needs to stay dry at all costs, then MPVs are the best possible alternative to the standard SUVs. Vehicles such as the Toyota Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga enjoy a stellar reputation throughout the Indian sub-continent. The Innova is notable for its sturdy, balanced chassis that stays firmly grounded despite being driven through windy and wet coastal highways. It also sports a fine suspension system that easily absorbs the shock of the undetected potholes without causing any jarring inside the cabin. While using a strategy of Family trip car rentals, MPVs provide ample space for the legs of the people and luggage so that people do not feel crammed when driving through the rain for hours together.
Premium Hatchbacks: Performance on Rainy Urban Roads
While sedans may be more aesthetically appealing, they tend to have a low ground clearance and can face difficulties while driving on roads that are flooded with water. If you travel alone or in a couple or even a family of four and are planning to explore cities and travel distances within the city limits, then premium hatchbacks make up an excellent choice.
The hatchbacks such as Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz perform extremely well in urban settings. In case there is an unexpected rain that leads to heavy traffic in city centers, then the small footprint of a hatchback will allow you to drive through narrow roads with ease. Premium hatchbacks also feature modern safety features that include electronic stability control and traction control that are crucial to maintain lane discipline on wet roads. Getting a hatchback from Self-drive cars Kerala service providers means that you will get an agile car that is easy to park.
Checklist for Ensuring Your Safety While Driving during Monsoon Season in Kerala
Whether you choose one category or another, the best way to ensure your own safety is by applying some common sense rules when driving and thinking about all aspects of the trip ahead. Here are some of the essential tips to keep in mind when heading out onto the roads:
Maintain Safe Distances: Brake distances will be much larger because of slippery conditions, so always make sure there is enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Don’t Make Sudden Stops: If you brake suddenly, your wheels may lock up, and you will make your vehicle slide uncontrollably. Instead, apply gentle pressure to your brake pedal.
Check Wipers and Windshield Washers: Check that your wipers are not cracked and clean, and also check that your washer fluid reservoir is full. Turn Your Low Beams On: In case of heavy rain or foggy or dark conditions, use your low beam lights to make sure that you are seen properly by other drivers. Don’t use hazard lights unless you stop completely.
Use Round-the-Clock Assistance: Since it is very difficult to predict the changes in monsoon weather, make sure that your provider offers 24*7 customer service.
The journey through the scenic landscapes of Kerala during its monsoon season is one of the most remarkable experiences, but only if you have the appropriate car under your wheels. Although hatchbacks provide excellent maneuverability for city driving, SUVs are certainly the ultimate vehicles that will suit all requirements during the monsoon period. If you choose to rent from a reputable service, carefully examine your vehicle, and adopt defensive driving, then your monsoon road trip will turn into a very rewarding experience.
