We in Australia are not strangers to wild weather conditions including damaging winds, hail and heavy rains. Getting caught out on the road in extreme weather is no joke. The better prepared you are for the upcoming season, the more likely it is you and your vehicle will escape the worst.

Keeping you safe and protecting your car are the priorities. Read on for a foolproof plan that includes paintless dent repair Brisbane.

Understanding the Impact of Storms on Vehicles

The elements have a lot in common with the sea. Everything is calm one minute, and then the next, it can feel as if hell has unleashed its worst. The very makeup of your car can suddenly feel flimsy and vulnerable.

Getting trapped in a flash flood destroys engines. Hailstones that slam onto the roof of your car will leave behind hail damage that needs repair. Hailstones can even smash through glass. The damage that can result from our storms is not just aesthetics, but the risk of severe structural damage to your vehicle.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for the Storm Season

A stitch in time saves nine: never more true than when protecting your car from the potential damage of any bad weather. It pays to set some time aside to make sure your vehicle is ready to face unexpected adverse weather conditions. Here’s our handy 10-minute checklist:

• Have a good look over your car for any visible issues
• Check the tread of the tyres
• Safely test out the brakes on a quiet street as if you were having to stop suddenly
• Make sure the windscreen wipers are in good condition and don’t smear the glass
• Ensure all lights and indicators are working
• Check the last time you changed the battery and seek advice if you’re unsure
• Check the oil and water

Your vehicle should be in the best possible condition to handle tough driving conditions in bad weather. It’s wise to get your car serviced before the storm season to reduce the danger of potential problems.

If you do spot any unexpected dings or dents, consider paintless dent removal in Brisbane straight away. The longer you leave these, the worse they can become.

What to Put in Your Storm Season Emergency Kit

Every car should have an emergency kit. Your smartphone may become your saviour in a serious situation, but it can’t do its job if it runs out of juice.

You may need it to call the emergency services or family and friends urgently. You may also want to find your nearest garage or plan an alternative route on Google Maps. It’s worth considering carrying a spare charged-up battery pack in case of a total vehicle breakdown.

If your car doesn’t have smartphone connectivity, carry a holder so you can attach the phone to the dashboard while driving. Glancing at a map is much safer than fumbling with your phone while driving.

Here are other items you should consider keeping in your emergency kit, particularly if you plan to drive long distances or to remote areas:

• A set of jumper leads
• A high-visibility jacket and a reflective triangle
• A first aid kit that includes bandages, gauze and anti-septic ointment
• A torch
• Blankets
• Non-perishable foods and a large bottle of water
• An empty fuel can

Protecting Your Car From Hail Damage

Protecting your car means being mindful about where you park during the storm season. It’s always best to keep your vehicle undercover to reduce the need for hail damage repair in Brisbane, for example. You should, however, avoid parking under trees as they can fall on cars during storms.

If you can’t find somewhere to park with little or no exposure to the elements, there are other measures you could take. You should consider investing in a padded cover for your car to prevent hail damage. You could use old blankets, car mats or carpets as alternatives.

Plan your journey carefully. Listen to the latest weather forecasts and check in regularly to radio updates while driving, as the situation can change quickly.

Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it. When there are severe weather warnings, change your plans and stay put.

Taking Extra Care

Protecting your car from hail damage means being prepared to drive more slowly and to stay alert, especially on exposed roads and bends. Do not get lulled into a false sense of security, particularly if you drive the same stretch of road regularly.

If the road is wet, it can take twice as long to stop. Slow down and keep a safe distance from the car in front.

Should your vehicle lose its grip or ‘aquaplane’ on surface water, remove your foot from the accelerator to slow down. Do not brake or make sudden steering movements. If you do, you’ll have less or little control of the car.

If faced with a flooded road, take extra care because it’s not always possible to tell how deep the water is. Just 30 cm of flowing water is enough to wash a car away.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance

Many drivers come unstuck after experiencing storm damage to their cars during a spate of bad weather. Some discover too late that their insurance doesn’t cover their vehicle for paintless dent repair in Brisbane. Check your policy to make sure you have cover for hail damage.

PDR2U can help here because we can provide your insurer with free quotes for paintless dent removal in Brisbane.

For hail damage repair in Brisbane, PDR2U should always be your first port of call. They are the premier paintless damage repair service in the city and beyond.

Paintless Dent Repair Brisbane Means Calling PDR2U

We know that protecting your car from hail damage can be extremely difficult. PDR2U has a team of experts in paintless dent removal in Brisbane that you can always trust.

We’ll treat your car at a time and place of your convenience. The best part is that afterwards, the chances are you won’t be able to see there was ever an issue at all. Get in touch with PDR2U today for a free quote. We are the hail damage repair experts in Brisbane.