How To Get Your Vehicle Ready for Tropical Storm & Hurricane Season in Houston
In Houston, we don't have to deal with the harsh winters that you'll find in many other parts of the country. However, we do have to deal with a season where hurricanes and tropical storms are common, ranging from June through November. Whether you're new to Houston or just need a reminder, we've gathered some tips on how to make sure your car is ready for dealing with the strong winds and rain that these storms bring.
4. Replace the Windshield Wiper Blades
It goes without saying that being able to see is a vital part of driving, and windshield wipers help this happen. It's easy to ignore bad wiper blades during the dry season, but trying to navigate in torrential rain with wipers that leave streaks and smears on your windshield is nothing short of dangerous. Before the storm season hits, it's a good idea to get a pair of fresh OEM windshield wiper blades. This way, you can rest assured that your windshield will be cleared much more easily.
3. Check the Tire Tread
When you're driving on wet streets, traction is vital. By law, your car's tires have to have at least 2/32" of tread on them. However, we always recommend having more tread than this when the roads get slick. The tire store at your local Volkswagen dealership will be stocked with new tires designed specifically to fit your VW. After all, good tread can be the difference between keeping control of your vehicle and sliding out of control.
2. Make Sure You're Ready To Drive
If worse comes to worst and you're issued an evacuation order, it's best to be able to start driving immediately. While it's always a good idea to keep your gas tank at least a quarter full, we recommend keeping it even more full during hurricane season. Make sure the battery has a good amount of life left in it, and check all your fluids to make sure everything is in good working order. It's not a bad idea to bring your car by an authorized dealership service center like ours for a multi-point inspection. That way, you're less likely to be met with surprises at the worst possible time
1. Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car
"Be prepared" is more than just the Boy Scout motto and a great Disney villain song: it's also a good way to live life, especially during hurricane season. Keeping an emergency kit in your car can be an enormous help if you happen to be trapped in an unfortunate situation. In this kit, you should include things like:
- Jumper cables
- First-aid kit
- Water or a water filter
- Flashlight
- Tool kit
- Blankets
- Radio
- Cell phone charger
- Spare batteries (unless your electronics are crank-powered)
- Raincoats
- Books or another way to pass time
