Tips For Getting Your Vehicle Storm-Ready

As we approach hurricane season, it's vital to ensure that your home, family, and car are prepared. Our guide provides helpful tips for preparing your vehicle for the potential impact of a severe weather system. Whether you’re planning to evacuate or shelter in place, it's essential not to underestimate the significance of preparing your car before the storm hits. Keep reading to discover more tips and tricks to ensure your vehicle is well-prepared.

Consider Getting Your Vehicle Serviced

Prepare your vehicle before the storm season hits and you have to evacuate. You should have a professional inspect and service your vehicle to ensure it can handle long drives or extended idling during evacuations. Schedule a tune-up at the Sparks Toyota service center to get your vehicle ready in advance.

Make sure to check your vehicle for any recalls to ensure safety during the evacuation. You should also have these aspects of your vehicle inspected:

• Spare Tire: Always have a spare tire for severe weather conditions.
• Tires: Ensure your tires are ready for long-distance travel by getting them rotated or replaced as needed.
• Overheating: Check coolant levels, the radiator, the water pump, the fan belt, and the thermostat to reduce the possibility of breakdowns.
• Air Conditioning: Stay cool and beat the heat with a fully functional air conditioning system.
• Battery: Equip your vehicle with a dependable battery for storm evacuations.
• Wipers: Upgrade your windshield wipers to ensure a clear line of sight even in heavy rain and wind.

How To Prepare Your Vehicle To Evacuate

Before evacuating from a hurricane, make sure your vehicle is packed and ready to go. You should follow any advice communicated by local authorities. Consider putting together a car emergency kit that includes essentials such as:

• Phone Charger/Portable Power Bank
• Non-Perishable Food and Snacks/Water
• Flat Tire Emergency Repair Kit
• Toilet Paper and Personal Hygiene Items
• Emergency Cash
• Flashlight/Whistle
• Medication and Supplements
• Blankets/Sleep Bag
• Paper Maps/Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information

Prep Your Vehicle For The Impact Of A Storm

When facing an approaching hurricane, prepare for the potential onslaught of heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges. Preparing your vehicle is especially vital if you intend to ride out the storm at home. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your vehicle is well-equipped to handle whatever may come, whether it's parked in a garage or outdoors:

Outdoor Storage Tips:

• Make sure loose items are stored away from the vehicle.
• Use a large, heavy-duty car cover to protect your vehicle.
• Move your vehicle close to a sturdy structure or higher ground.
• To lessen the impact of flying debris, place soft items inside the car cover.

Garage Storage Tips:

• Store loose items away from the vehicle.
• Cover windows to avoid damage.
• Move your vehicle away from openings.
• Cover the entire vehicle to protect it from flying debris.

Make Sure To Have Plan

When navigating through stop-and-go traffic, remain vigilant to prevent any accidents that could not only disrupt your journey but also impact other motorists. In the event of an evacuation, it's essential to conserve fuel and utilize your vehicle's resources. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your car's overall performance:

• Alternate navigating and driving if you plan to travel in a group.
• Have an evacuation plan ready.
• Avoid overtiredness by stopping often.
• Have a full tank of gas.
• Choose a dependable vehicle for evacuation.

Plan ahead to avoid heavy traffic. In the event of an evacuation order, locate a secure location to ride out the hurricane.

Get Your Vehicle Ready At Sparks Toyota

At Sparks Toyota, we are committed to delivering outstanding customer service that goes above and beyond. Whether you're getting ready for a storm or dealing with its aftermath, count on us for all your automotive needs. Check out our extensive range of vehicles, showcasing the popular 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.