We are approaching that time of the year again – hurricane season. June 1st marks the official start date of hurricane season extending to November 30 each year for the Atlantic. As residents of Houston, we are no strangers to hurricanes. While we prepare for the frightening season, we should also consider preparing our vehicles. Below are some tips on how to prepare your car for hurricane season.
1. Fill Your Tank
New Cadillacs can be very costly. Some new models can cost as much as $80k. But buying a used sedan model can be an excellent value for your money as new Cadillacs tend to depreciate faster than other luxury brands. That means you can get a luxury car for a fraction of the price of a new one.
2. Check and Top Off All Fluids
Check and replace the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Make sure your car is in good working order before the storm hits. These are part of your car maintenance that should be done periodically to extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
3. Tire Pressure
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. Bald tires can be extremely dangerous in wet conditions. You may lose traction and control over your vehicle if you don’t have enough tread. Also, you may be at risk of punctures in your tires.
4. Park Your Car in a Safe and Secure Place
Make sure you secure your car by parking in a covered area, such as a garage or other covered parking lot. If you don't have access to a garage or covered area, try to park your car away from trees and other objects that could fall on it during the storm. Parking outside during a storm can also expose your car to flying debris, which is why it's best to keep it in a covered area.
Another tip when parking your car is to leave it far from flood zones. If you happen to live in a flood zone, your best bet is to leave your car at a relative's or friend’s house or find a safe place to leave it. Houston is prone to flood quickly, so do your research to find the safest place for your vehicle.
Another tip to follow is to not put your car up on blocks, jacks, or other unstable surfaces. Hurricane-force winds can knock cars off blocks and cause even more damage. Also, when the water rises, having your vehicle elevated on blocks will cause your car to float and be taken by the currents.
5. Check Your Auto Insurance Coverage
Does your coverage include damages to your car other than collision? Check your policy for this type of coverage. If you don’t have this coverage, this is a good time to add it. You want to ensure you are covered in case of flood or wind damage.
6. Gather Supplies!
You will need supplies such as water, food, a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, and blankets. You never know how long you'll be without power or access to food and water during a hurricane. While this may not pertain to your car directly, these supplies are necessary to have if you need to evacuate. In case of evacuation, plan your evacuation route ahead of time. Know where you're going and how you're going to get there. Similarly, don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. Do this at least two-three days before the hurricane is estimated to arrive.
It's also important to have your car documentation such as registration and insurance papers in a waterproof container. You can also take photos of the vehicle's interior and exterior as proof of its condition prior to storms.
In addition to these tips, there are other things you can do to prepare for a hurricane such as boarding up windows, securing outdoor furniture, and stocking up on non-perishable food items.
Finding a Reliable Car for the Season
If you're looking for a reliable car for hurricane season or any other season, Shabana Motors is here to help! We offer a wide range of vehicles of all sizes to fit your family and loved ones. Don’t worry if you have bad credit or no credit. Shabana Motors offers in-house financing to help you get to where you need.
Shabana Motors is the best-used car dealership in H-town with a pleasant staff that is willing to help. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory and how we can help you find the perfect car for your needs.
