How to Ready Your Car for a Tropical Storm

How to Ready Your Car for a Tropical Storm

Friday, 30 August 2019 11:04

Tropical storms are not something typically associated with the Upstate of South Carolina and mountains of North Carolina, but those who have lived here for a while know the potential dangers of even a weakening system. Tropical storms and hurricanes that have impacted our area include, but are not limited to:

  • Hurricane Hugo – 1989
  • Hurricane Danny – 1997
  • Hurricane Isadore – 2002
  • Hurricane Frances – 2004
  • Hurricanes Florence and Michael – 2018

When tropical systems approach our area, it is imperative to pay close attention to weather conditions so you can protect yourself and your property. In this post, we are discussing # ways to make sure you and your car are prepared for tropical storms.

 

1) Proper Maintenance

Conditions will probably get so bad that work and school are canceled, though, we recommend heeding any warnings to stay off the road. Assuming you do have to drive during a portion of the storm, make sure your car is properly maintained so it does not leave you stranded in poor weather conditions. Proper maintenance includes:

  • Change the oil
  • Replace worn and damaged hoses
  • Transmission service
  • Windshield wiper blade replacement
  • Paint and body repairs
  • Fluids topped off, including windshield washer fluid

2) New Tires

Balding tires may not be noticeable when the weather is dry and sunny, but you do not want to be caught in a tropical storm with worn tires. Have your tires replaced with all-weather tires before a storm heads our way?

3) Weather Awareness

Take steps now to make sure you are weather-aware when tropical systems approach. Steps toward weather-awareness include:

  • Know what conditions are anticipated. Heavy rain, wind, and flooding are all consistent with tropical weather in our area.
  • Know when poor conditions will begin. Tropical systems can bring multiple rounds of rain and wind, though it may not be storming consistently through the entire event.
  • Have multiple means to receive weather warnings. With varying terrain and multiple creeks and streams, you need to know when a flash flood warning affects your area.
  • Follow local meteorologists on social media like Jason Boyer, Chris Justus, and Brad Panovich.

The most life-threatening part of tropical weather systems in western North Carolina is flooding. People often find themselves trapped in flooded vehicles. You can avoid finding yourself in that situation by knowing where and when it is raining.

4) Know Your Alternate Routes

Mudslides and flooded roadways can wreak havoc on your typical driving routes during tropical storms. You may find that conditions were not so bad on your way to work but have deteriorated rapidly and left your route home a mess of fallen trees or flooded bridges. Have an alternate route in place, especially if you drive on a roadway that frequently floods. Do not take your chances with fallen trees and powerlines, standing water or flooded bridges, or landslides.

5) Park Your Care Safely

The best thing you can do during tropical weather is to stay indoors. Unfortunately, that may mean your car is outside and subject to the elements. If at all possible, park your car away from these potentially damaging items, including:

  • Weak trees
  • Dead tree limbs
  • Trash cans
  • Shopping carts
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Children’s outdoor toys
  • Anything that can be tossed by the wind and become debris

6) Carry Emergency Supplies

In case you do find yourself in a situation where you are stuck for a while, it is good to have a supply of non-perishable food, blankets, flashlights, batteries, road flares, and other survival items.

Tropical weather is not as common in western North Carolina, Asheville, and Greenville, South Carolina as it is in coastal communities, but it can happen here. If your car is damaged by falling or windswept debris, DentFX can help. We come to you with paintless dent and ding repair services and work with your insurance company. Contact The DentFX to have your dents and dings repaired without taking your vehicle to the body shop.

back to top