Prepare your car for the upcoming hurricane

Hurricanes are coming from left and right, up and down, and we want you to be best prepared for this peak hurricane season – because it’s a doozy. Unfortunately, it’s probably not going to stop till the end of hurricane season, which is November. So, with all of these hurricanes, we know you know how to protect your house, but maybe your car is another asset that you need to protect – so how do we prep our car for a hurricane? Toyota of Orlando is going to answer all of your questions.

Prep your car for hurricane season with these tips

1) Gas up beforehand: If you don’t want to be waiting hours for gas, and potentially running out of gas before you can get it, we recommend getting gas before the storm hits – preferably more than 48 hours before it hits. If you don’t get gas, that means you’re going to have to get gas in the strong gusts of wind, which can be dangerous. So fill up.

2) Check your insurance policy and take plenty of pictures: Know what kind of coverage your insurance policy offers in the case of a hurricane by calling your insurance company or reviewing papers – if needed, make adjustments if you are unsure if what you have is enough to protect your vehicle. Speaking of insurance, take plenty of pictures – and we mean bumper to bumper, the top of your car, all the glass…everything – so it helps you make an insurance claim and proves the condition it was before the storm took place.

3) Remove all valuables: Be sure to get any and all valuables and paperwork out of the car before you park it.

4) Know where to park your car: If you live near the coast, it’s a smart idea to find higher ground for parking during a hurricane. You don’t want your car to sustain damage in flood waters. Protected parking is best, like a garage, parking garage, or even a carport. If you can’t find protected parking for your ride then at least try to park away from trees and power poles that can fall and damage your car.

Use these Orlando Toyota tips in the case of an evacuation

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

1) Have a route planned before: Prepare for the hurricane by knowing a way out, it can save two of the most valuable things in life: your life and time. Know the specific roads that you can take, and also be sure to have alternate routes just in case there are accidents that are blocking the roads.

2) Pack early: So you don’t forget important items, make a list, and double-check it. But, it’s better to pack even before the storm comes. Leave unnecessary items at home, like selfie sticks, and bring the important items – food, water, clothes, medication, passports and other important documents, cash, phone and their respective chargers, and valuables. If you have pets, do NOT leave them at home, bring them with you and bring sufficient water, food, treats, medication, and toys for them.?

3) Keep your car in good shape: Be sure to be updated with your Orlando car maintenance routine, like brakes, tires, oil changes, coolant, batteries, headlights, and wipers so you are all good to go.

Want more information about how to hurricane prep for your car? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute information!