Hurricane preparedness tips from Toyota of Orlando

Hurricane season is upon us! Are you ready? It’s alright if you’re not yet, Toyota of Orlando’s got you covered. With proper maintenance and precautions, you could square yourself up for the perfect storm. Here’s a hurricane preparedness checklist to make sure you and your car are ready for the weather.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Check your tires

Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI and that the tread isn’t worn. To check your tire pressure, simply insert a gauge into the valve stem of your tire. Additionally, an easy way to check your tread is to stick a penny into a groove of your tire. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is still visible above the indentation, it’s time to replace your tires. Obviously, roads get slick with water and oil when it rains, so having good traction will minimize your chances of hydroplaning. 

Check your brakes

Are your brakes making noise, slipping, or just generally not performing well? Get them serviced to prevent accidents during slippery conditions. We can fix any issues with your brakes here at Toyota of Orlando!

 

Check your windshield wipers and lights

Heavy rain means low-visibility conditions. Get one step ahead of the storm and see that your wipers and lights are performing as well as they can. Make sure that your wipers are making proper contact with your windshield and that your lights are clean, aligned, and projecting light to roughly 250-350 feet ahead. Hurricanes mean black skies, so outsmart the storm with a good, updated set of headlights. 

Check your battery

You don’t want to be stranded without a functioning vehicle. Check your battery! If your car isn’t starting smoothly or the power is running low, charge your battery or replace it. A big tip for hurricane preparedness is to have a means of staying up to date with the news. If your home loses power due to the storm, you can charge electronic devices and listen to local radio for updates from your car.

Get gas

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but it’s hurricane preparedness 101 and worth noting. Make sure you get a full tank of gas in case of an emergency such as an unexpected evacuation.

 

Other Hurricane Preparedness Tips from Toyota of Orlando

Be sure to have any important documents from your car such as your registration or insurance information on hand

Take timestamped pictures of your car before the hurricane is expected to hit in case your insurance questions any damages

Toyota of Orlando wishes you a safe hurricane season! Give us a call at (407) 298-4500 or visit us just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall for any services you may need to ensure you’re ready for the rain.