As much as we love the occasional summer showers, storms can be destructive and cause damage to our most prized possessions. Cars, in particular, can take a severe beating when it comes to strong weather patterns. If you’ve ever seen a hailstorm, then you’ll know that it can do a great deal of damage to a car’s body.
What’s worse is that these damages could potentially cost you a small fortune to repair, so it’s important to know a few measures to avoid storm damage to your car. Read on to learn more.
Advance Planning
The most important thing you can do to avoid storm damage to your car is to plan in advance. This means being aware of the weather forecasts and being mindful of any impending storms.
Ideally, you should find out the time and date of when a storm is going to hit and make sure that either you or your car isn’t there. If such a storm is known to be oncoming, it’d be best to get your car somewhere safer.
Where Can I Park?
Regardless of whether you’re trying to park your vehicle because you’re already inside a storm or you’re simply being proactive about it, you want to ensure that you’re parking it somewhere safe.
You’re looking for two things when you choose where to park:
- Good Visibility:
Being able to see the car from your current position is important. Being able to spot it from down the road is also helpful.
- Reliable Shelter:
Picking a spot that already has reliable shelter, such as a covered garage, makes it easier for you to ensure the car is safe and protected.
What About Driving?
In the event of an active storm, there won’t be time to locate a safe spot to park. In this case, the best thing you can do is to drive defensively and do your best to avoid any oncoming hail. While you’re driving, don’t forget to:
- Keep Track of Traffic Updates:
It’s important to stay informed about traffic updates, which can be found online and on the radio. This way, you’ll know if there’s a certain route you should take to ensure that your car doesn’t get caught in the storm.
- Don’t Look at the Storm:
If you’re driving while there’s a storm happening, don’t focus your attention too much on it. You need to stay focused on the traffic and the road.
- Drive Carefully:
If the storm is particularly troubling, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment and drive too quickly or recklessly. Doing this will lead to accidents, which in turn could cause a lot of damage to your car.
Other Protective Measures
Apart from driving and parking defensively, there are a few more measures you can take to ensure your car is safe from any storms.
- Park away from tall buildings:
It’s a good idea to park away from tall buildings, as these structures can attract lightning strikes, which in turn could cause severe damage to your car.
- Put Your Valuables Away:
If there’s a storm oncoming, use this chance to put any loose items away like clothing, accessories, and other valuables. If a storm does occur, you won’t have to worry about them being caught in the storm.
- Get Covers:
Having a car cover is always a good idea, regardless of whether there’s a potential storm coming or not. That way, you can make sure that your car is safe and secure if you can’t get inside a garage or away from potential danger.
- Check Tire Pressure:
Before and after a storm, double-check your tire pressure. Too low and it could lead to hydroplaning. Too high, and you’ll have a bumpier drive. You’re aiming for that sweet spot in the middle.
Storms are beautiful, but they can be destructive as well. This is especially true for vehicles where severe weather patterns can cause a great deal of damage. To protect your car, it’s best to plan in advance and be aware of impending storms. Ideally, you’re able to find a safe spot to park away from tall buildings and lightning.
If a storm is already coming, then be mindful of where you’re driving and be aware of any traffic updates. Put any valuables away and invest in a car cover if you can to add an extra layer of protection Just remember to check your tires before driving anywhere and make sure it’s on the right pressure.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to avoid storm damage to your vehicle and enjoy a safe ride all year round.
