How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Storms and Hurricanes?

Jun 26, 2023

Essential Tips: Preparing Your Car for Storms and Hurricanes

With severe weather on the way, it's critical to have a plan in place to keep you and your essential items safe. Your vehicle is most likely your second most valuable item, after your home, so you'll want to make sure it's prepared for severe weather.

During the 2022 hurricane season, fourteen named storms formed, eight of which strengthened into hurricanes and two of which reached hurricane status. Due to the destruction inflicted by Hurricane Ian, it was also one of the most expensive hurricane seasons on record, with expenditures totaling $165 billion.

Hurricanes caused roughly 358,000 flood-damaged automobiles in the South and Southeast of the United States alone in September and October 2022. Furthermore, CarFax believes that 400,000 flood-damaged vehicles were already on the road when Hurricane Ian made landfall.

Continue reading to find out how to prepare your vehicle for hurricane season and how to keep safe in the case of a weather disaster.

Examine your insurance coverage

Before a storm hits your region, go over your auto insurance coverage to see what is and isn't covered. If something occurs to your automobile, you'll be able to start the claims procedure right away. Take photographs of your car's inside and exterior to document its condition before and after the storm.

Carry out periodic maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is essential throughout the year, so if you aren't up to date, now is the time to get caught up. You'll want your automobile to be in peak shape before you encounter severe weather. To ensure that your car is properly maintained, inspect each of the following:

Battery
Brakes
Windshield wipers
Defroster
Fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze)
Power steering
Radiator
Tire pressure and tread level

Prepare an emergency kit

It's a good idea to put together an emergency kit containing first aid supplies, clothes, tools, and other necessities. These items might come in handy if you need to travel during a storm or seek refuge in your car. Prepare for storms and hurricanes by packing the following items:

First aid kit
Extra clothes and blankets
Raincoat
Jumper cables
Extra gasoline
Tool kit
Tire jack
Flashlight with batteries
Motor oil
Nonperishable foods
Drinking water
Phone and phone charger

Charge your battery or fill up your petrol tank

You may need to depart fast in an emergency and may not have access to a petrol station for some time. When severe weather compels a large number of people to flee, gas stations may become unusable or overcrowded, with long waits. In an emergency, it's advisable to fill up ahead of time and keep your gas tank as full as possible. During hurricane season, it's a good idea to fill up your gas tank anytime it's half full. Don't put off going to the gas station when storms are in the forecast.

If you use an electric car, make sure to fully charge it before the storm hits. If bad weather causes power outages, you may be without charging outlets for a prolonged length of time.

Park in a secure place

Consider how wind, water, and debris may impact your surroundings, and park your automobile in a safe location. If possible, seek for higher spots with weatherproof protection.

If you have access, garages, and high parking structures can give refuge. Avoid trees, power wires, light posts, and other potentially dangerous things. Back into your parking space to make it easy to exit quickly.

If you are unable to drive your automobile to safety prior to hurricane season, expert transportation firms can assist you. Find out more about the benefits of exporting your automobile.

Keep up to date with news and weather updates

Maintaining current knowledge is critical to keeping you and your car safe during a storm or hurricane. You can get timely warnings and updates by listening to local radio stations or visiting the websites listed below.

Don't be concerned if your automobile has been flooded or has water damage. You may take steps to mitigate the damage and return your car to like-new condition. Learn what to do if your car is flooded.

Ship your car safely with Budget Auto Transporter

Budget Auto Transporter specializes in shipping automobiles, trucks, motorbikes, RVs, trailers, and other vehicles. Our countrywide carrier network has the equipment and ability to relocate flooded, water-damaged, or unusable automobiles anywhere in the country. Budget Auto Transporter has established itself as one of the nation's top vehicle transport firms. Budget will transport your automobile in a safe and efficient manner. Start with a free quick quotation or call one of our auto shipping experts at 844-436-6700.