Every July, the first heavy shower turns city roads into rivers. Then underpasses fill up, signals go off, and cars stall in the middle of traffic. This guide covers monsoon driving in Pakistan, from preparing your car to getting home safely. In fact, a few simple habits can save your engine and your life.
Safety note: No car is worth your life. If water is rising fast, leave the car and move to higher ground. Then call Rescue 1122 for help.
Why Monsoon Driving in Pakistan Needs Extra Care
The monsoon in Pakistan usually runs from July to September. July and August generally bring the heaviest spells. However, our cities cannot drain this much water quickly. Drains choke with plastic, so low roads flood within an hour.
Karachi, in particular, suffers on its main roads and in its underpasses. Similarly, Lahore sees deep water on low stretches and near canal crossings. Up north, rain also brings landslides on the KKH and the Naran road. As a result, monsoon driving in Pakistan is about more than wet roads. Instead, it means floods, power cuts, open manholes and broken signals, all at once.
Prepare Your Car Before the Rains Start
The best time to prepare is June, before the first spell. After all, mechanics get very busy once the rain begins. So check the following items, and fix weak parts early.
Item
What to Check
Approx Cost
Wiper blades
Streaks, squeaks or torn rubber
Around Rs 1,000 to 2,500 per set
Tyres
Tread depth, cracks, correct pressure
Free check at most tyre shops
Brakes
Soft pedal, noise, thin pads
Often free during a service
Lights
Headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards
Bulbs are cheap; check prices locally
Battery
Loose or rusty terminals, slow cranking
Cleaning costs little at a battery shop
Door rubber seals
Leaks onto carpets
Depends on car model
Washer fluid
Tank full, jets working
Very low
Prices change often, so treat these as rough figures. For example, OLX and PakWheels listings show many blade sets near Rs 1,000. Meanwhile, branded wiper blades cost more. Also, set your tyre pressure as the door sticker says. Our tyre pressure guide explains how to check it at home.
In addition, keep a small kit in the boot. A torch, an umbrella, a towel, a tow rope and a phone charger help a lot during long jams. Of course, a full fuel tank also helps, because queues at pumps grow during heavy rain.
Monsoon Driving in Pakistan: Speed, Distance and Lights
Wet roads need longer stopping distances. Therefore, drop your speed well below the limit when rain is heavy. Also, keep at least double your normal gap from the car ahead. On wet tarmac, oil from old spills rises to the surface. For this reason, the first rain after a dry spell is often the most slippery.
Turn on dipped headlights, even in the daytime, so that others can see you.
Use hazard lights only when you stop or crawl, since they hide your indicators.
Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
Stay in the middle lanes, because water collects near the edges.
Keep both hands on the wheel and the phone away.
These driving in rain tips sound basic. However, many rain crashes happen because drivers ignore them. For more habits that help all year, see our driving safety tips for Pakistan.
How to Avoid Aquaplaning on Wet Roads
Aquaplaning happens when a layer of water lifts your tyres off the road. Suddenly, the steering feels light and the car stops responding. Worn tyres and high speed make it much worse.
If it happens, do not panic. First of all, take your foot off the accelerator slowly. Then hold the steering straight and avoid hard braking. Finally, wait until you feel the tyres grip again. In addition, avoid standing water near road edges, since that is where it usually starts.
Tread depth matters a lot here. In fact, Pirelli advises changing summer tyres at about 3 mm, well before the 1.6 mm wear bars. So check your tread before July, not after a skid.
Monsoon Driving in Pakistan Through Flooded Streets
The safest rule is simple. When you cannot see the road, do not drive into the water. Indeed, the US National Weather Service says about 12 inches (30 cm) of moving water can carry away most cars. Similarly, about 2 feet can carry away SUVs and pickups.
Still, sometimes you must cross a shallow, still stretch. In that case, follow these steps:
Watch another car cross first, and see how deep the water goes.
Switch off the AC, because the fan can pull water toward the engine.
Use first gear (or L in an automatic) and keep the revs steady.
Move slowly, so that you do not create a bow wave.
Do not stop or change gear in the middle.
After crossing, press the brakes gently a few times until they dry.
Above all, never enter an underpass full of water. Also watch for open manholes, since the water hides them. For more on the risks of a car in flood water, read our guide on flood safety for car owners.
What to Do If Your Car Stalls in Water
A stalled engine in water is scary. However, the next few minutes decide how much it costs you. So do not try to restart it. If water entered through the air intake, cranking can bend internal parts. Mechanics call this hydrolock, and the repair can be very expensive.
Turn on hazard lights and switch off the ignition.
If water is rising, open the doors and leave the car at once.
Once safe, push the car to higher ground in neutral, with help.
Then call a tow truck or a trusted mechanic.
Ask the mechanic to check the air filter, oil and spark plugs before any restart.
Even if the car starts later, get it checked. Our guide on why a car won’t start also covers wet starters, weak batteries and other common faults.
Monsoon Driving in Pakistan on Motorways and Highways
Long trips during rain need extra planning. For instance, the Salt Range on the M-2 has steep slopes and sharp bends. Likewise, the KKH and Naran routes face landslides after heavy rain. So check the weather and road updates before you leave.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) issues travel advisories during heavy rain. They ask drivers to avoid needless travel, slow down and keep more distance. They also ask you to check lights and wipers before leaving. If you need help, call the motorway police helpline on 130.
Moreover, never stop on the motorway shoulder to wait out a downpour unless you have no choice. Instead, move to the next service area. If you must stop, turn on hazards and stand behind the barrier, away from traffic.
Keep Your Windscreen Clear in Humid Weather
Monsoon air is hot and wet. As a result, the inside of the glass fogs up quickly. This, in turn, blocks your view at the worst time.
Turn on the AC and aim the air at the windscreen.
Switch off recirculation, so that fresh air removes moisture.
Use the rear defogger if your car has one.
Keep the inside of the glass clean, because dirt holds moisture.
Also, replace blades that leave streaks. A good set clears water in one sweep. On the other hand, old rubber smears the glass, especially at night under street lights.
Dead Signals, Bikes and Pedestrians
Heavy rain often knocks out power and traffic signals. In that case, treat every dead signal as a four-way stop. Moreover, approach junctions slowly and make eye contact with other drivers. Likewise, watch for fallen branches, loose billboards and hanging wires after strong winds. Never drive over a fallen electric wire, because wet ground can carry current.
Many bikers ride through rain because they have no other option. So give them extra space, since they can slip on wet paint and potholes. Also, slow down near bus stops and markets, because people step into the road to avoid puddles.
Similarly, do not splash pedestrians. It is rude, and it can push someone into traffic. A slow pass near a puddle costs you only two seconds. In short, good monsoon driving in Pakistan means caring for others on the road too.
Monsoon Car Care After the Rain
Monsoon car care continues after the clouds clear. First, wash the underbody, because mud and dirty water cause rust. Next, dry wet carpets fully, otherwise they will smell and grow mould. Also, test your brakes on an empty road.
Sign After Rain
Likely Cause
What to Do
Musty smell inside
Wet carpet or AC drain
Dry carpets; clean AC filter
Brakes pull or squeal
Wet or dirty discs
Drive gently; see a mechanic if it continues
Rough idle
Water in plugs or air filter
Check filter and plugs
Milky engine oil
Water inside the engine
Do not drive; tow to a workshop
Flickering lights
Wet wiring or connectors
Get the wiring checked
If your car went through deep water, inform your insurer early, because many policies need quick notice for a claim. Our car insurance claim guide explains the steps.
Emergency Numbers for Monsoon Driving in Pakistan
Save these numbers before the season starts. In addition, keep a power bank in the car, since phones die fast during long jams. Ideally, share your route with family before monsoon driving in Pakistan on long trips.
Number
Service
When to Call
1122
Rescue service
Injuries, rescue from water
130
National Highways and Motorway Police
Breakdowns and accidents on motorways and national highways
15
Police emergency
Crime or accidents in cities
115
Edhi ambulance
Ambulance help
16
Fire brigade
Car fire or electrical fire
FAQs
Is it safe to drive through water on a flooded road?
Only if the water is shallow and still, and you have seen other cars cross. However, if the water is moving or you cannot see the road, turn back. In fact, even a small current can push a car sideways.
Should I use hazard lights for monsoon driving in Pakistan?
Use hazards only when stopped or moving very slowly. Otherwise, they confuse other drivers, because nobody can see your indicators. Instead, keep dipped headlights on during monsoon driving in Pakistan.
Can I restart my car after it stalls in water?
No, because restarting can cause hydrolock if water entered the engine. Instead, tow the car and let a mechanic check the air filter, oil and plugs first.
How often should I change wiper blades?
Many drivers change them once a year, before the monsoon. Our summer heat dries out the rubber quickly. Therefore, replace them as soon as they streak or squeak.
Which number should I call on the motorway?
Call 130 for the National Highways and Motorway Police. For a medical emergency, you can also call Rescue 1122.
Final Word
Overall, safe monsoon driving in Pakistan comes down to preparation and patience. Check your wipers, tyres and lights before July. Then slow down, keep your distance and never enter deep or moving water. Finally, check the forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department before any long trip.
