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The hurricane season can be concerning for Florida drivers because of the ever-present threat of flooding, hail, tornadoes, and flying debris from strong gusts of wind. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help your vehicle stay as safe as possible during a storm and to prepare for the aftermath as well.
Read our guide to automotive hurricane prep to give your vehicle the best chance of coming out healthy and functional. If you need service or repairs, either before or after the storm, schedule an appointment with the talented technicians at GMC Fort Walton Beach.
One of the most important things to do in the face of an oncoming hurricane is make sure your vehicle is up to date with maintenance. You don’t want balding tires when you’re trying to traverse through high water to get to a safer location or spongy brakes as you work your way through crowded roads filled with debris. Getting all your fluids topped off, changing your oil, and tending to any brake or tire issues will help make sure your car is in the best possible condition to weather the storm.
You may find that gas stations are closed for a few days during or after the storm, possibly because their fuel tanks have been compromised. Fill up your tank before things get too bad so you can evacuate promptly if necessary or reach grocery stores and government relief stations after the storm passes. Running out of gas can prevent you from accessing clean water and edible food while your area recovers.
It’s always a good idea to keep emergency materials like a battery jump-starter, a tire repair kit, and jumper cables in your car, but these can especially come in handy during a hurricane. You’ll have the means to move your vehicle out of a compromising area even if the battery has died or you have a flat tire, or you can use these items to help out a neighbor who’s having trouble with their own vehicle. If anyone in your family gets injured during the storm, you’ll be grateful to have a first aid kit at the ready.
Take pictures and videos of your vehicle’s condition before a hurricane in case you need to prove the extent of any damages to your insurance company afterward. Providing visual evidence can make processing your claim easier and help you get the largest payout possible. Make sure you save your pictures and videos to a cloud service in case your phone also gets damaged in the storm.
To keep your vehicle as safe as possible during a hurricane, park it in as high-up a location as you can reasonably access – for example, a higher level of a parking garage (but not on the roof). Parking high above ground can protect your vehicle from flooding damage. Ideally, your car should be kept under some kind of shelter to reduce the risk of hail or debris damaging your windows or the car’s exterior. If reaching a high, covered parking spot isn’t possible, park your car in your garage or against the side of your home to give it some protection.
Following these tips will go a long way toward getting your car through a hurricane unscathed, but there’s only so much you can do when you’re up against Mother Nature. If your vehicle needs hurricane damage repair after all, the experts at GMC Fort Walton Beach are here to help. We’ll do everything we can to get your car back to its best.
Visit our website or give our team a call to schedule a service appointment! It’s our honor to help Florida drivers stay safe.
When you’re looking for the best place to park your vehicle during a hurricane, consider the possibilities of flooding, hail, and stray debris flung around by wind. If possible, park your vehicle somewhere with cover and high above ground, like a higher level of a parking garage. If you can’t reach such a spot, park inside a garage or close to the side of a building to limit possible damage.
Some car insurance policies may cover damage caused by a hurricane, but others may not. Typically, you will need comprehensive coverage to benefit from insurance against hurricane damage. Reach out to your car insurance provider to learn more about your coverage and whether you’ll be able to save on out-of-pocket costs for any hurricane-related services or repairs.