Preventing Summer Storm Vehicle Damage

Summer is a time for relaxation, vacations, and extra time with your family. However, even with the good weather that summer brings, Southern Ontario has its share of extreme summer storms.

Fallen Branch on Car

 

Being aware of the dangers that summer storms can bring can help keep your vehicle and family safe. In this post you’ll find a breakdown of the most common forms of summer storms, and what kind of damage they can bring to your vehicle.

Severe Thunderstorms

In most areas the summer months bring about a host of thunderstorms. These storms are powerful and can roll in fast. Thunderstorms can cause heavy rain, high winds, and hail, all of which can cause damage to your vehicle.

Hail can be extremely damaging to your car, especially if the hailstone is large in diameter. If the hailstone is the size of a marble or larger, there’s a good chance it’s going to dent or scratch your roof and hood. Roofs are the most frequently damaged part of your vehicle during a hailstorm.

If you know a storm is coming and hail is a risk factor, try to park in a garage, or underground to minimize damage from hail.

High Wind Vehicle Damage

When wind speeds start to pick up it can be important to make sure you’re not going to be in danger when out on the road. Wind makes it much more difficult for other drivers to keep control of their cars, which can lead to accidents. If you are crossing a long bridge, such as the Skyway Bridge in Burlington, take an alternative route on those windy days.

Another significant form of damage comes from falling trees and tree limbs. It’s important to have the trees maintained and checked on a regular basis to remove any dead branches that may crash down on your car in your driveway.

If you parked in a lot that has nearby trees, such as a park or a golf course, it may be tempting to park under a healthy looking tree to keep your vehicle shaded. If you are aware of a storm coming, you are still at risk for a branch coming down, and parking away from trees might be a better alternative.

In shopping centers, park far away from shopping cart storage areas, as these can easily blow into your car with a good breeze. If parking spots are tight, park a distance away from other vehicles, as a gust of wind can catch people opening their doors and fling them right into the body of your car.

Car Flooding

Flash floods can occur during a very severe thunderstorm, usually without little warning. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding you should always have a plan in case the worst does happen. If you see a flooded road, stay on high ground and don’t drive into the flooded area. Burlington, Waterdown and Hamilton have all seen their fair share of flooded roads in recent years.

Your vehicle can also get flooded should you leave your windows open, or from broken glass from a fallen branch. If your vehicle does get drenched, or sustains high levels of water damage it’s important to assess the situation and begin cleanup as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more your vehicle will become damaged, and the greater the repair costs will be.

Unfortunately, vehicle damage from summer storms does occur. If you need auto repair to fix scratches and dents from hail, or have a crushed trunk from a fallen branch, consider our talented team at Waterdown Collision.