It’s been a harsh winter here in the UK, with endless storms battering the country. Is it summer yet?!
Storms are hazardous and threaten our beloved vehicles, so you must prepare well to ensure little damage is done.
To help you out, this blog explores how to keep your vehicle safe and sound during stormy weather.
First things first, you need to understand the risks associated with stormy weather. Storms can come in different shapes and sizes, from hail stone to strong winds, severe rain, and flooding.
As a result, trees and debris can be blown all over the place, posing a threat to your vehicle. This is why it’s crucial to protect your vehicle during a storm.
The calm before the storm! At the start of winter, ensure your car is prepared for the harsh conditions with regular vehicle maintenance, ensuring tires, brakes, and wipers are in good condition. When a storm does arrive, this will take a lot of stress off your shoulders.
You should also keep an emergency kit in the car, just in case the worst happens. Include a first aid kit, flashlights, blankets, water, and snacks.
If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or covered area. This will rule out the possibility of debris falling and damaging your vehicle.
If this isn’t available, use a car cover or tarpaulin, which will help prevent scratches. You can get a car cover in various sizes from Halfords.
Hail storms are one of the worst features of a storm, and if you’ve been caught in one, you’ll certainly know why. Extreme hail stones could cause damage to your vehicle, so it’s worth using a padded car cover or blanket to protect your car.
Blankets are the more affordable option; simply place them on your windscreen under the wipers.
If your area is susceptible to flooding, move your car to higher ground before the storm. If your area is particularly flat, park your car on wooden blocks or ramps to elevate it as much as possible.
Also, if a flood is likely, disconnect the battery in your car to prevent electrical damage, which can be seriously expensive. We would also recommend sealing any openings on your car with weather strippings, such as doors, windows, and air vents.
For more advice on flooding, check out our blog, Safeguarding Your Car During Flood Warnings.
Although this won’t be on the front of your mind, it’s worth checking that your insurance covers storm-related damage. It will prevent you from spending lots of money repairing your vehicle if something unfortunate happens during a storm.
If something bad does occur, ensure you document any damage. Take photos of your car and keep repair receipts, as they will be handy further down the line.
When the blue skies are back out, you should inspect your car for any damage, such as dents, leaks, or electrical issues. If you find damage, you should get it fixed right away.
If you want to learn how to solve easy car repair jobs yourself, check out our blog, Easy Car Fixes Every Young Driver Should Know.
Looking for more car safety advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has produced a range of blogs on various topics, such as A Guide to Safe Winter Driving Techniques and Preparing Your Car for Unexpected Weather Events.
We are also one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. Check out our leasing deals or call us at 0345 811 9595.
