Preparing Your Car for Hurricane Weather

The summer season in Florida means bright blue skies, sun rays, and long days. While summer signifies vacation season, it is important to remember that Florida summers have the unpredictable nature of being hurricane season. As a Wesley Chapel resident, you likely have a hurricane plan to protect your family and care for your house. Do you know what to do with your vehicle as you plan for the impending stormy weather? Our Lexus of Wesley Chapel team offers tips to prepare your car for the hurricane season.

Preparing for a Hurricane

Thankfully, meteorologists carefully track a hurricane’s progression, so you have time to prepare for a hurricane. You will probably use your car to leave the area to escape from the hurricane. Before a hurricane hits, check your battery to see that it is fully charged as well as make sure your tires are properly inflated, wiper blades are working well, and fluids like your oil and coolant are topped up. The service team at Lexus of Wesley Chapel can assist you with a thorough maintenance check. Additionally, you will want to have a full tank of gas. Ideally, do not wait until the last minute to fill up your tank as everyone will be hitting the gas stations during an evacuation order.

It is advisable to take pictures of your vehicle inside and out before the hurricane hits. This will help you should the need to file damage claims arise. You will also need access to your car’s registration, insurance information, and proof of ownership, so keep copies in a waterproof container or save digital copies. Lastly, you should have an emergency bag stored in your Lexus model. Your bag should have non-perishable food, bottles of water, a car charger for your phone, and an extra set of clothes.

In the Middle of the Storm

As much as you can prepare, sometimes you may find that you are in the middle of the storm and cannot evacuate. Even if it is not a full-blown hurricane high winds and heavy rain can still affect your vehicle, so it is important to park somewhere safe in Wesley Chapel when the storm hits. Try to keep your car in a garage or with a car cover. Ensure that all windows of your vehicle are closed. If you do not have access to a garage, then try to gain some protection by parking near a building that can block high winds. Stay clear, however, of parking near trees or power lines that can get knocked down. Aim to park on elevated ground to prevent flooding.

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What to Do After a Hurricane

After the storm has gone, you have to survey the damage. Hopefully, you were able to evacuate with no damage to your vehicle. If you are returning to an area that was hit by a hurricane, try to stay away from flooded roads as standing water can hide sharp objects beneath the surface that could impair your vehicle. If your vehicle was in the middle of a hurricane or tropical storm, you need to assess your car to see check its condition. In case of damage, take pictures of the affected area. Take these after photos along with the before photos that you, hopefully, took to show your insurance agent.

It is always best to avoid tropical storms and hurricanes altogether, so if you live in Wesley Chapel, Florida, pay close attention to weather reports during the hurricane season. By following these steps, you can evade the threat of a hurricane and ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle.

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