How To Prepare Your Vehicle for Hurricanes

Fortunately, most people have time to prepare for the impending arrival of a hurricane. Even residents who live miles inland can be impacted by winds and storm surge. If you decide you’re going to batten down the hatches and ride the storm out, many preparations need to be made, including protecting your vehicle.

Ideally, you should park your car in a garage, but nearly half of the homes don’t have a garage or carport. If you don’t have a place for it inside, you can still protect your vehicle. Keep in mind these factors while deciding where and how you park your car:

• For insurance, take pictures of your car before the storm
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas
• Park away from trees and power lines
• Park next to a building to protect against wind
• Cover your vehicle to protect it from flying debris

If you don’t already have one, you can find custom car covers that fit securely over your vehicle and provide an extra shield against the elements.

How Do Car Covers Protect Your Vehicle in Severe Weather?

During severe weather, the wind blows debris, including branches, pebbles, sand, and a variety of items people leave out in their yards.

Even something as small as grains of sandblasting against your car can cause erosion to your paint.

A car cover protects your vehicle’s body and paint job from many of the objects that a storm may hurl toward it, as well as offering extra waterproofing to avoid rust from rain.

Always keep a cover on hand for when a storm is looming. Know how to care for your car cover, as it is an investment in your car’s protection.

Some covers are machine-washable, while others may be cleaned by hand with a hose or bucket and a mild detergent.

Check the instructions that come with your cover to keep it clean and in good condition.

How To Ensure Your Car Cover Is Installed Properly

Your custom car cover has loops and rope to tighten it to a snug fit.

You want it to hug your vehicle as much as possible to prevent wind from whipping it up and away. Be sure you secure the cover under the center of the car.

The lock and cable provide further security.

During a storm, check your cover at least once to ensure it isn’t coming loose. However, never go outside in dangerously high winds, as you are risking your own safety.

When the storm has passed, if there are no downed power lines or flooding, take a moment to inspect your car for damage. If you find any, take pictures as evidence for an insurance claim.

When you don’t have a garage to shield your vehicle from severe weather, practicing preventative measures is the next best thing.

Your car is more than an investment; it’s an integral part of your everyday life. Save yourself from the stress of losing one of your most valued possessions to a storm by getting a protective car cover.