How Safe is Your Vehicle in a Storm?

Posted on April 7, 2010

Storm tracking technology has made so we have plenty of warning before a storm reaches landfall. After hearing reports of a storm people take all sorts of precautions to ensure that their home is safe and secure but most people neglect to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Some people over estimate the amount of damage that vehicles can withstand during a storm. If you plan on moving to Charlotte, North Carolina or any other part of the southeast, then American Van Lines – your premier Charlotte local moving company suggests that you gather as much information as you can about protecting your vehicle from storm damage.

If you choose to stay home rather than evacuate during an impending storm then preparation is crucial to keep your vehicle safe from storm damage. The first thing you should do is move your vehicle to higher ground to avoid any flood damage. However, moving vehicles to higher ground may not make a difference to those in coastal areas because a storm surge can bring water hundreds of feet past the normally flooded areas.

Floods can bring in salt water and cause severe damage to exterior paint, tires and suspension. Exterior damage is nothing compared to the internal damage that can occur from flood waters. Electrical systems may become corroded when they come in contact with salt water, but the most damage could occur in your vehicle’s combustion system and prevent it from ever starting again.

Most storms can bring severe winds up to 150 miles per hour. In these conditions anything can be a projectile. These are useful tips that will help you better prepare your vehicle for harsh conditions.

Tips…

•Remove everything from the area surrounding your vehicle.
•Avoid parking your vehicle near trees, street signs and telephone poles.
•Tape your vehicle’s windows with masking tape.
•Keep a full tank of gas.
•Make an assessment of any damages your vehicle might have incurred during a storm.

If your vehicle does suffer damage in a storm and your family is safe then it’s a small price to pay, remember anything can be replaced but life cannot.

American Van Lines Charlotte moving companies wish you safety during this hurricane season.