How to: Prepare your car for a hurricane

It is officially peak hurricane season and they are popping up out of nowhere — well not that sudden. But, we want you to be prepared and remember that your safety is most important! Even though hurricane season started on June 1, many hurricanes are popping up like Hurricane Hilary, Hurricane Emily, and Hurricane Franklin. We know that you know how to keep your house safe – shutters, tarps, and trimming your trees for example, but what about cars? What if you have to evacuate in your vehicle? You want to be prepared and Toyota of Clermont is here to help you. 

Prep your car for hurricane season with these tips

Know where to park your car. 

If you live near the coast, it’s in your best interest to park on higher ground before a hurricane comes or protected parking is even better – garages or carports. If you can not find protected parking for your Clermont Toyota, then try to park away from trees and power poles because it can damage and fall your car.

Check your insurance policy. 

What kind of coverage does your insurance policy offer in the case of a hurricane? Make sure to call your insurance company or review your papers, and make adjustments if you feel like what you have isn’t going to be enough to protect your vehicle from the storm.

Gas up beforehand.

Make sure you fill up your tank with gas before the storm hits, it is crucial. Do it at least 48 hours before the hurricane comes, or even as soon as possible, so you’re not waiting in lines for hours right before or after the storm has hit. It is not the best idea to be in an emergency situation and have an empty tank.

Take plenty of pictures and remove all valuables. 

Before the hurricane, take pictures of your car just in case of any damages to the car so that you can attach it to your insurance claim and prove its condition before the storm. Be sure to get any valuables and paperwork out of the car before you leave your car parked.

Use these Clermont Toyota tips before an evacuation

Forced to evacuate? Check out these Clermont Toyota tips for that situation:

Keep your car in good shape. 

Prepare your car by making sure you stay up to date on your car maintenance like brakes, tires, oil changes, coolant, batteries, headlights, and wipers so you’re ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice.

Have a route planned before. 

The best way to hurricane prep is by knowing where you’re going to go – if you decide to leave. Know where you’re going to go and have alternate routes to your destination, so you are not frantic during all the rain, wind, and traffic. And if you can, check traffic channels so you can see which roads to avoid and which roads are clear to go on.

Pack early. 

Before the hurricane even comes, make sure to pack the important things that you will need – non-perishable food, water, clothes, medications, phones, phone chargers, passports and other important papers, cash, medications, and valuables. If you have pets – don’t leave them in your house, instead bring food, water, treats, toys, and other necessities for them too.

Are you and your car ready for hurricane season? Get your ride prepped today at Toyota of Clermont – we’re open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.