Keep Your Car Healthy Through Hurricane Season

Jun 15, 2021 | Automotive Advice, Blog, Car Maintenance, Seasonal Care, Total Car Care

Rainy Drive

During hurricane season, you need to think about more than just keeping you and your home safe and prepared. Inclement weather can have an impact on your car, too, and you want to ensure it’s ready if your area evacuates. Being proactive is key with any hurricane preparations, including getting your car ready. We have a few car care tips as we move through this year’s hurricane season.

Related: Preparing Your Car for the Rainy Season
Related: Car Care Tips for Tropical/Wet Climates
Related: 5 Maintenance Services Your Car May Need Now

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    Get Up to Date with Car Maintenance Services

    No matter where you live, it’s a good idea to keep up with regular car maintenance throughout the year. However, it’s especially important living in Florida when a hurricane may hit. Not only does it ensure your car’s key systems are always operating their best, it also prevents breakdowns during an evacuation. You may suddenly find you have to hit the road as a hurricane approaches and you don’t want to be surprised by an auto repair that could’ve been prevented by regular maintenance services.

    Mechanic checking car fluid's

    Keep an Eye on Fluid Levels at Home

    As a secondary precaution, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your car’s fluids at home. Your engine oil and coolant levels are easy to check regularly and are crucial to keep your car healthy. If your area is evacuated, you don’t want to be caught off guard by an overheating engine due to low engine oil or coolant. If your car has a fluid leak, it’s also a good idea to keep extra fluid on hand if you can’t get to a mechanic right away.

    Fill Up Your Gas Tank

    Not only do you want to be prepared for an evacuation, but if your car will be sitting parked for longer than usual, it’s also best to keep your gas tank at least ¾ full. Keeping your gas tank full when not in use prevents extra condensation from forming, which can cause rust in your fuel system. For an extra level of preparedness, you may want to also fill an extra container of gas ahead of time. If you do have to evacuate, it can be hard to find gas on the evacuation routes. 

    Find a Safe, Sheltered Place to Park Your Car

    High winds and heavy rain can be hard on your car. If your car exposed to the elements during a hurricane, you risk damage from debris and flooding. Not everyone has the option to park in a garage, but if you do, be sure to park your car there. In general, try to find a sheltered spot where your car will be protected from debris like falling tree branches.

    Mechanic checking car fluid's

    Stay Prepared for a Quick Evacuation

    It’s also smart to think ahead about a possible evacuation. If you’re able to park your car in a garage, you may want to back into the garage to make it easier and quicker to get the car out. Think about both protection and accessibility when finding the right spot for your car ahead of a hurricane.

    Put Together an Emergency Kit

    You may be used to gathering supplies to sit out a storm in your home, but you may also want to think about creating an emergency kit for your car. Put together a bag or box of a few essential items to keep in your trunk in case you have to evacuate. Some items to consider include:

    • Jumper cables
    • Extra canister of gas
    • Tire jack & tool kit
    • Flashlight with spare batteries
    • Battery operated radio
    • Blanket(s)
    • First aid kit
    • Motor oil
    • Non-perishable food
    • Water bottles

    If you have to evacuate and find yourself with car trouble, you may have to wait longer than usual for roadside assistance to show up, due to traffic and weather. Be extra prepared so that you can wait it out in relative comfort or fix certain car problems yourself.

    AAMCO Mechanics are Here for Your Florida Transmission Repair Needs

    If hurricane season has you worried, let our mechanics make sure your car is ready if a storm hits. Whether you’re due for car maintenance or have a more serious auto repair, let our mechanics take a look. We’ll accurately diagnose any necessary car repair and get you back on the road in no time.

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