According to the NOAA, the Atlantic basin experiences about 12 hurricanes annually.
These tropical storms can have devastating effects far inland from the coast, leading to widespread damage and loss. While many people in hurricane-prone areas prepare their homes and businesses for these destructive weather systems, vehicles are often overlooked.
Understanding what happens to a car in hurricanes is crucial for minimizing the risk of significant vehicle damage.
This guide will walk you through the impact of hurricanes on vehicles and provide practical tips for keeping your car safe when the next storm hits.
Read on to learn more.
Understanding the Characteristics of Hurricanes
Your car is vulnerable to hurricane damage in many ways. Let’s explore how hurricanes can impact vehicles and what kind of damage they can cause.
High Winds and Flying Debris
Hurricanes bring powerful winds that can easily toss objects through the air, turning everyday items like branches, trash bins, and even roof tiles into projectiles. These flying pieces of debris can:
- Break your car’s windshield and windows
- Dent the body
- Damage the vehicle frame
In extreme cases, winds can flip your vehicle, especially if parked in an open or exposed area.
Flooding and Water Damage
During a hurricane, rising waters can seep into the engine, short-circuit the electrical system, and ruin your car’s interior, including the seats and carpeting. The damage doesn’t stop there: water in the engine can result in a hydro-locked motor, making repairs costly.
Even minor flooding can cause mold growth in the interior, which is tough to remove and can lead to lingering odors and health issues.
Saltwater Corrosion
In coastal communities, hurricanes often bring storm surges filled with saltwater. If this water enters your car’s undercarriage or mechanical components, it can cause rapid corrosion. This rusting can weaken important parts like the brakes and suspension, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Saltwater exposure also accelerates the breakdown of your vehicle’s metal parts, leading to long-term mechanical failures that are expensive to fix.
Vehicle Protection in Hurricanes: Pre-Storm Tips for Your Car
With the potential for high winds, flooding, and flying debris, your car can be at serious risk during the storm. Here are some key hurricane car safety tips to help minimize damage and ensure your vehicle is ready before the storm arrives.
Park in a Safe Location
Finding a secure place to park your vehicle is one of the best ways to protect it from damage. If possible, park your car in a garage or under a sturdy shelter to protect it from flying debris and water damage.
Avoid low-lying areas. Park on higher ground to prevent your vehicle from being submerged in floodwaters.
Also, keep the car clear of trees and power lines. Strong winds can cause trees, branches, or power lines to fall, causing significant damage to your vehicle. Park away from these hazards.
Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Car
If you need to evacuate or get stuck on the road, having an emergency kit in your vehicle is essential. The kit should include:
- First aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, and medications
- Essential tools like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a portable phone charger
- Food and water
- Blankets and warm clothing
Remember to regularly check and update your kit’s contents to ensure everything remains functional and within expiration dates.
Secure Your Vehicle Before the Storm
Taking simple precautions to secure your vehicle will help protect it from the impact of storms. If you don’t have access to a garage, using a weather-resistant car cover can offer protection from rain, hail, and flying debris.
Take out any electronics, documents, or personal belongings to avoid losing them to theft or water damage. Don’t forget to lock all doors and windows to prevent water and debris from entering and causing damage.
Check Fluids and Tires
Ensuring your car is in good mechanical condition before a hurricane is crucial for smooth evacuation. Confirm that the vehicle has enough oil, coolant, and brake fluid to function properly during the storm and afterward. Top off any fluid you’re low on.
Well-inflated tires with good tread will help you drive through wet and potentially hazardous conditions. Check tire pressure to ensure correct tire inflation.
Check your battery too – a healthy battery ensures your car will start when you need it most.
Take Photographs for Insurance Purposes
Before the storm hits, document the condition of your car. Take pictures from different angles, focusing on any pre-existing damage. This documentation will be important if you need to file an insurance claim after the storm.
Store important vehicle documents, such as insurance papers and registration, in a waterproof container in your vehicle or another secure place.
Keep the Gas Tank Full
Fuel can be hard to come by during a hurricane, as gas stations may close or run out of gas. Fill up early to ensure you’re ready to go if evacuation is necessary.
After the Storm: What to Do If Your Car Suffered Hurricane Damage
Once the storm passes, you should assess the condition of your car and take the right steps for recovery. Swift action ensures your vehicle gets the care it needs to recover from the storm and can help minimize long-term car damage.
Here’s what to do if your car is affected by a hurricane:
1. Assess the Damage
Before inspecting your vehicle, ensure it’s safe to approach the area. Watch for hazards like downed power lines, flooding, or fallen debris.
Water can severely affect your car’s electrical system. Don’t attempt to start the vehicle if you suspect water intrusion, as it could cause further damage. Instead, look for signs of water exposure, such as a soaked interior, or mud and debris inside the engine bay.
Check the floor mats, seats, and trunk for dampness. If water reached the cabin, it could have damaged electrical components, like sensors, onboard computers, and the wiring harness.
Check the structural integrity of your vehicle too. Look for dents, broken windows, or misaligned panels caused by flying debris or strong winds. Additionally, check under the car for signs of damage like bent axles, broken suspension parts, or rust from exposure to water.
2. Water Extraction and Drying
These steps are essential to minimize damage if your car has been submerged or partially flooded.
Start by removing any standing water inside the car. You can use a wet-dry vacuum to extract water from the interior. Next, open all doors, and if possible, remove the seats, carpets, and mats to dry them outside.
Set up fans and a dehumidifier inside the car to promote airflow and reduce moisture. This process helps prevent mold and mildew, which can cause long-term damage.
Don’t forget to dry out less obvious areas like the glove box, center console, and trunk. Water trapped in these spaces can lead to unpleasant odors and mold growth over time.
3. Insurance Claims
To get your car back on the road, you must file an insurance claim for hurricane damage. Take clear, detailed photos of your vehicle from multiple angles. Focus on areas with visible damage, such as dents, broken windows, or water-logged interiors.
After documenting the damage, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide all necessary documentation, including photos, repair estimates, and receipts for repairs or towing services.
Keep evidence of all communication with your insurance company and contractors handling repairs. This will help you stay organized and provide evidence if there are delays or disputes.
4. Professional Assistance
After a significant storm impact on vehicles, it’s best to seek professional help for repairs, especially for complex issues like engine or electrical damage.
If water has seeped into the engine, do not attempt to start the vehicle. A professional mechanic will need to assess the extent of the damage. Sometimes, a full engine replacement may be necessary.
Flooded cars also often suffer from damaged electrical components. A certified technician can diagnose and repair issues in the wiring, fuses, and computers that control essential functions.
If your car was exposed to saltwater, inspect the undercarriage and body to check for rust. Professional body shops can repair dents and corrosion damage to restore the structural integrity of your vehicle.
What Happens to a Car in Hurricanes? The Long-Term Effects on Cars
Hurricanes can leave lasting damage on vehicles, even after repairs are made. Understanding the effects of hurricanes on cars and taking steps to mitigate long-term problems is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and value.
Mechanical Wear and Tear
Even after immediate repairs, cars exposed to hurricanes can experience ongoing mechanical issues.
For instance, saltwater from storm surges can accelerate rust formation on critical components like the undercarriage, brakes, and suspension. Water intrusion can also damage sensitive electrical systems, leading to malfunctioning sensors or short circuits.
These long-term issues often result in more frequent breakdowns and costly repairs, as the effects of moisture can linger in parts of the car that aren’t easily accessible or noticeable immediately.
Decreased Resale Value
Vehicles that have sustained significant hurricane damage typically see a drop in resale value. Potential buyers are often wary of purchasing cars with a history of flooding or storm damage, as these cars are more likely to experience hidden mechanical problems.
A car affected by hurricanes is often marked as having a diminished value on its history report, making it harder to sell and forcing owners to accept a lower price than expected.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular check-ups and ongoing vehicle protection are essential for extending the life of a car exposed to a storm. Scheduling frequent maintenance, including inspections of the electrical system, brakes, and body panels, can help catch rust or other wear and tear before they lead to serious issues.
Through preventative care, you can mitigate some of the long-term damage caused by hurricanes and ensure your vehicle remains reliable for many years.
What If You Can’t Fix Your Car After a Hurricane?
Following a hurricane, not every car can be repaired. Sometimes, the damage may be so extensive that fixing it isn’t financially feasible. Repair costs for significant car hurricane damage can quickly add up, leaving you with tough decisions.
When the cost of repairs outweighs the car’s value, it might be time to explore alternative options such as:
- Junking your vehicle
- Selling it for cash
- Donating it to charity
Here’s a closer look at each option:
Junking Your Car
If your car is beyond repair, junking it could be the most straightforward option. Junk car buyers will often take a scrap vehicle off your hands and offer payment based on the car’s weight and the value of its parts.
While you won’t get much for a severely damaged vehicle, this is a quick and hassle-free solution to dispose of a car that’s no longer drivable. Before junking it, remove any personal belongings and have the title ready for the transfer.
Selling It for Cash
In some situations, even a storm-damaged car can still have value to someone else. Some buyers pay cash for vehicles they can repair or strip for parts.
Selling your car for cash allows you to recover at least some of its value, and you might get a better deal than simply junking it. When discussing the vehicle’s condition with potential buyers, be honest to avoid any future disputes.
Donating It to Charity
If neither junking nor selling the car seems appealing, you could also consider donating your damaged vehicle to charity. Many charitable organizations accept cars, even if they aren’t in working condition.
Aside from knowing your vehicle is going to a good cause, you may be eligible for a tax deduction based on the car’s value.
Get a Cash Offer for Your Storm-Ravaged Car Today
So, what happens to a car in hurricanes? Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to vehicles, leaving them vulnerable to water intrusion, structural issues, and other forms of damage.
Ready to get top dollar for your storm-damaged car? Cash Auto Salvage is your trusted nationwide buyer for all types of vehicles, no matter the condition.
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