5 Ways to Protect Your Car During a Hurricane

The flooding Hurricane Matthew recently caused across many parts of the Carolinas is a solemn reminder to be vigilant during storm season. If you’re like most folks, you’ve probably brushed up on how to keep your home safe from flooding and debris, but what about your car? Here are a few tips to ensure your vehicle makes it through a hurricane without damage.

Document Your Car’s Condition

Before a hurricane hits, take pictures of your vehicle for insurance purposes. If your car does sustain damage, these photographs serve as proof of the car’s condition before the storm, which can help you make a claim. Consider taking pictures of both the exterior and interior when making your storm preparations, and check your insurance policy to make sure it’s up-to-date.

Protect Your Documentation and Keys

After taking your photographs, store them and any vital documentation, such as your car’s insurance and registration information, in a safe location. A waterproof, fireproof box is a great option. Just be sure you make copies of your important documents as well as your car keys so you can give them to family members.

Fuel Up

The American Red Cross recommends drivers fill up their gas tanks when preparing for a hurricane. The reason for this is so you and your family will have a contingency plan in the event you need to evacuate the area. Having a full tank of gas makes it more likely that you can get where you need to be without making a stop for gas, especially since gas stations tend to run dry just prior to emergency situations.

Replenish Fluids

For the same reason you’d want to fill up your car’s gas tank, you’ll also need to top off any fluids to make sure the vehicle is in prime condition to evacuate when necessary. While you might have to beat the crowds to schedule a tuneup during a pre-hurricane panic, having a professional technician check your drive belts, tires, battery, windshield wipers, and fluids is a smart move.

Alternatively, sticking to your car’s recommended maintenance schedule will ensure you’re automatically ready to go whenever you need to.

Park Smart

If you intend to ride out the storm, be careful with how you park your car. An enclosed garage is best, but if you don’t have access to a garage, consider other options. Parking next to a tall building, for instance, can help protect the vehicle from high winds and storm debris. Just avoid parking under power lines or trees, as these can fall and cause damage.

In many cases, your safest bet is staying put and avoiding the roads. If you do need to drive, avoid flooded areas or roads with standing water, and watch for downed objects such as tree branches and electrical wires.

Protecting your car from a hurricane is easy when you take the proper precautions. Ensure your vehicle is always ready to handle the worst-case scenario by having it maintained at Scott Clarks Toyota.

 

Image by Steve Taylor, Licensed via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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