The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the start of the Habagat season, signaling the arrival of the rainy months ahead. The arrival of the rainy season doesn't always mean consistent rains. One day can bring intense heat, while the next can bring heavy afternoon downpours.

It’s no surprise most drivers are preparing for slippery roads and poor visibility, but many overlook the other ways changing weather conditions can affect their vehicle.

Preparing your vehicle for the rainy season doesn't have to be complicated. Start by checking your tires, windshield wipers, lights, and battery to make sure they're ready for wet driving conditions.

Make sure your tires have enough tread to safely drive through wet roads. Check your windshield wipers for any signs of cracks or damage. Also clear the wiper blades of any dust and debris to avoid streaking.

Turn on your headlights, brake lights, hazard lights, turn signals, and taillights to check for any faulty or busted bulbs so you can have them changed. Visibility at night is critical and working bulbs make your vehicle more visible.

Check that your vehicle’s battery has sufficient charge and all the necessary cables are connected to the terminals.

It's also a good time to inspect your engine bay for leaks and monitor fluid levels. If something looks unusual, consult a trusted mechanic before it turns into a bigger problem. After all, it's always easier to address small issues in your garage than deal with them on the side of the road during a sudden downpour.

While motorists often remember to check their tires and wipers before the rainy season, coolant and brake fluid inspections are frequently overlooked until a problem occurs. By ensuring these essential fluids are in good condition, motorists can drive with greater confidence whether they're navigating daily traffic, sudden downpours, or long drives.

Most people associate engine problems with the summer season, but your vehicle still works hard during the rainy months. Heavy traffic, humid weather, and sudden shifts between hot and rainy conditions can make it more difficult for your engine to maintain its ideal operating temperature.

That's why your cooling system continues to play an important role regardless of the weather. When left unchecked, cooling system issues can affect performance and eventually lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided through preventive maintenance.

Prestone makes it easy to top up your engine coolant with its Asian Coolant line, designed for a wide range of vehicles. Engineered with 5X Superior Cooling Action and Cor-Guard Technology, it helps protect engines from overheating, rust, and corrosion, keeping the cooling system working efficiently even under changing weather conditions.

The Prestone Asian Coolant 1L is available in red, blue, and green color variants. Simply choose the color designed for your car’s brand. Red coolant is for all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles of all years. Blue coolant is for all Honda, Nissan, and Subaru vehicles, pre-2009 to 2011 and newer. Green coolant is for all Isuzu, Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Mitsubishi vehicles, pre-2009 to 2011 and newer

Equally important is maintaining your vehicle's braking system, especially during the rainy season when roads can become slippery and stopping conditions less predictable. Prestone Brake Fluid delivers 5X Superior Braking Action Guaranteed, helping provide safe, dependable, and consistent braking performance when it matters most.

Formulated to help protect against overheating, brake fade, and performance decline caused by water absorption, Prestone Brake Fluid is suitable for all vehicles requiring a DOT 3 specification. Together with regular vehicle maintenance, it helps motorists stay confident and prepared for whatever the road and weather may bring.

Whether you’re navigating heavy traffic on your daily commute, driving through sudden afternoon downpours, heading out on a long weekend trip, or running errands for your family, being road-ready starts with proper vehicle care.

Both Prestone products are available at leading automotive stores and retail outlets nationwide, including True Value, Handyman, Ace Hardware, Blade, and online through the official stores on Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok Shop. Prestone also urges customers to purchase only from authorized retailers to ensure product authenticity and vehicle safety.