The Atlantic hurricane season is arriving (June 1-November 30). With that dreaded word follows damaging winds, overwhelming floods, and damaged cars. There is a 60 percent chance that the Atlantic Ocean will produce 13-20 named storms this year. That means that the people of Charlotte should start preparing now and making sure you have everything ready to go! The last thing you would want to happen is a giant tree falling on your new whip.
The Do’s after damage occurs
Check the exterior and interior of the vehicle very carefully.
Take pictures and be sure to take different angles of the entire car (even the parts that aren’t damaged). Be sure to take pictures of the water damage to your vehicle before attempting to clean it all out. You’ll thank us later for that tip!
Be sure to write down what is damaged on your vehicle. It is good to have a plethora of pictures and a detailed written document of the hurricane damage.
Double-check to see if any water damage occurred.
Make sure you have your insurance information. You will need to call an agent if your car has been damaged.
Disconnect the battery if you are out of the water. Do not attempt this if you are in the water.
If you can get into your car and there is water damage, clean out as much as you can. This will allow your car to get back in tip-top shape and reduce the funky mildew smell. Be sure to allow proper ventilation as well. There’s nothing like getting back into a wet vehicle with a terrible odor.
Use a wet vacuum to suck up any water that might be lingering in your vehicle. After all, who wants a foul smell in their vehicle?
Hurricane damage tips for our neighbors
Under any circumstances, DON’T start your car after a hurricane if there is flooding. You might become injured if there is an electrical issue and it could cause even more damage to the engine. If you can, try pushing your car to an area that isn’t flooded so that you can have a proper inspection.
By now you should have been able to determine if your vehicle can be saved or if it is totaled. Fingers crossed it can be fixed! Now, you will want to call your car insurance provider and file a claim for the damage. It is vital to do this as soon as possible so that you can be one of the first people to have their vehicle looked at and fixed if it needs it. If you are unable to drive your car to the auto body shop at Toyota of Charlotte, then you can easily have a tow!
If you have any questions or concerns about hurricane damage to your vehicle or need auto body repairs to fix your ride in Charlotte, call (704) 875-9199! We are at your service at Toyota of Charlotte.
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