We’re amidst the peak hurricane season with the Pacific and Atlantic oceans brewing multiple storms one after another. You’re likely to be watching the latest updates of the monster category 4 Hurricane Florence and mandatory evacuation issued for North and South Carolina as well as many inland regions while some are likely to ride out of the storm.
In all cases, your vehicle has to be fully prepared of what’s coming as hurricanes; irrespective of their category can wreak havoc. Apart from stocking supplies and ensuring on the mechanical safety, your car needs to positioned and tailored in a way to sustain zero or least-possible damage. And while mounting premium-grade Dunlop tyres for maximum driver’s safety, here’s something else you should consider.
- Carefully inspect parts of the vehicle in need of regular maintenance. It’s obvious you need to replace worn-down and torn parts but, if you haven’t had vehicle inspection for some time, now is the time to do it before the danger looms large.
- Check and refill essential fluids in case you need to evacuate quickly in the car, and this is when yours should be fully safe and in working condition. Essential fluids include transmission, oil, power steering, brake, battery, windshield wiper fluids and radiator coolant.
- If you’re to drive through the storm, maximum visibility is most important for which you might consider replacing the windshield wipers. Remember, wiper blades can be easily damaged when overexposed to sunlight and windshield debris. Test them to ensure the movement and if they’re shunning water in a proper way.
- Fill your Falken tyres to their optimal capacity and the information is imprinted on the tyre or you may consult the vehicle’s handbook. Do note that digits on the side of the tyre may refer to the maximum allotted pressure so you would need to peek inside the doorjamb for more relevant tyre inflation details. Don’t forget reading the details on the spare tyre.
- Also, consult your car insurance agent for hurricane Enquire what and how it covers and essential steps to safely ride out of the storm or necessary pointers in case the vehicle sustains damage.
- Take a few snapshots of the car’s interior and exterior ahead of the storm. These would come in handy to evidence the damage claim caused by the hurricane. Also, consider having a detailed mechanical diagnostic of the car prior to the hurricane and take the report in print for insurance purpose and do pay attention to the vehicle’s general safety.
- Fill up the gas tank and reserve canisters to their optimum as hurricanes can impact supply routes also causing major power outages. It’s thus best to be prepared long before the storm pounds rather than waiting in long lines at the station, technical issues and possible supply shortages.
- Discard all unnecessary external accessories such as extra antennae, bike rack, fishing pole or such items that can become deadly projectiles during high-speed winds. Store them someplace safe where the wind is unable to pick up such as basement, crawlspace or a strong outdoor shed.
