It’s that time of year again. We on the coast are watching the oceans closely. It’s hurricane season. While most of us know how to protect our homes, many people often don’t think about how to prepare their cars. Your vehicle needs to be prepared just as much in the case of an upcoming storm or evacuation. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your vehicle.
Maintenance
If you live on the coast, you know that a hurricane could be headed your way anytime. So you need to start preparing. If it is time or close to time for your regular car maintenance, go ahead and do it. You will have enough to think about without having to worry about your vehicle’s maintenance.
If your vehicle recently had its regular service, check your tires still. Make sure that they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation and make sure there are no leaks. The last thing you want is a flat tire when you need to evacuate or even on the road.
Documents
While you are getting together all your important papers, be sure to gather up the documents concerning your vehicle. This includes:
The registration, title, and insurance papers are essential to your vehicle. But you don’t want to forget the warranty documents. If a mechanical breakdown were to happen on the road, you will need your factory warranty or extended warranty documents along with your maintenance records to get any necessary repairs. Also, the warranty documentation will have the number to roadside assistance.
Storage
If you have more than one vehicle and decide to leave one at home, then you’ll need to store it correctly. Usually, an enclosed garage would be the first option. But if you do not have one, it is best to park it away from trees and low lying areas. Most hurricane damage comes from wind and flooding. So, if a garage is not an option, find the highest point in your yard that is away from trees to park your vehicle.
Hurricane season is all about being ready. When preparing for an upcoming storm and/or for evacuation, don’t forget about your vehicle. Make sure maintenance is up-to-date, all necessary documentation is on hand, and it is stored correctly if it’s staying behind. This way you’ll have one less thing to worry about during a stressful time.