If it seems like the weather is getting worse lately, you aren’t just imagining it! Thanks to climate change, the number of adverse weather events is on the rise. And things are set to get worse in the coming years!
Extreme weather can cause all sorts of damage to your vehicle. From bright sunshine to stormy days, most vehicles are vulnerable to a range of problems caused by the weather. Luckily, there are some ways to reduce the risk of car damage.
If you want to learn more about the different forms of weather damage and find out how to combat them, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
1. Snow Damage
Heavy snow can damage a car in a number of ways. One of the key risks is that it can pile up on top of a vehicle and the weight of snow can cause issues. This may result in damage to the car body, glass parts, suspension, and more.
Snow forming under a vehicle can also cause problems. Snow can contain large quantities of salt particles and when snow piles under a car, it can erode these parts. Some elements of a car that can be damaged by this issue include:
- Muffler
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Wheels
- Engine block
If you need to drive in the snow, remember that the chance of an accident is higher when snow lies on the road. Be sure to fit your snow tires well in advance, as this will help you to maintain a good grip on the road and avoid accidents.
Try to avoid driving when snow is actually coming down, especially if it is very heavy. Visibility can also be an issue in these conditions, further raising the risk of accidents.
2. Storm Damage
When storms come rolling in, most people have a routine for protecting their homes. They might pull down the storm shutters and bring in any heavy objects from the yard. You should have a similar routine for protecting your vehicle.
One of the most common forms of storm damage is from debris, like flying patio furniture. You can try to remove the risk of flying debris by putting these objects in your garage or shed.
Making use of covers for the more vulnerable parts of your car can help. You can shield your windows from extreme cold, preventing them from cracking.
If possible, store your car indoors. If you don’t have a garage of your own, consider storing your car at an indoor lot until the storm has passed. A concrete roof and walls can protect against practically any weather event!
3. Hail Damage
Hail can be extremely damaging to people and property. Some of the largest hailstones in the US are larger than tennis balls. You can imagine how these monster pieces of hail could smash a windshield or batter a car body.
If the forecast warns you to expect lots of hail, take some steps to shield your vehicle. A simple tarpaulin can do a lot to reduce the likelihood of car hail damage. Avoid parking the car under trees, as heavy hail can break off branches and cause them to fall onto your vehicle.
Try putting covers over your vehicle if you can’t store it inside. Take extra care to protect the windows and other fragile parts of the exterior.
If your vehicle has suffered from hail damage, there’s no need to fear. A quality auto repair service can get your car back to top condition in fairly short order. There is auto hail repair found here.
4. Sun Damage
It’s not just cold weather and storms that can damage a vehicle. Extremely hot and sunny conditions can cause all kinds of problems for vehicles. And with global temperatures rising, it’s likely that sun damage to vehicles will increase.
The best way to fight prolonged sun exposure is simply to try to avoid light. The ideal solution is to park your vehicle inside a garage or under an awning. If this is not possible, try to park your vehicle in the shade of a tree or a building, possibly moving your car throughout the day to ensure maximum protection.
5. Wind Damage
Even without rain or snow, high winds can be a real pain. No one likes to be outside when the cold wind bites at your skin and threatens to knock you over. And vehicles have a rough time out in the wind too!
Car wind damage often impacts vehicles in the same way as a storm. Flying debris can strike your vehicle, potentially cracking glass or damaging the bodywork.
If extremely high winds are expected, take basic precautions to protect your vehicle. Try to avoid driving in high winds if at all possible, and be sure to take things slow if you have to be out on the roads.
Protect Yourself From Car Damage
Your vehicle is likely to be one of the most valuable items in your possession. If you keep it outside, be sure to regularly check the forecast and take any required action to shield your vehicle from the elements. While it might be a little extra work, it will be well worth it in the end.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the ways inclement weather can cause car damage and finding out how you can avoid the worst consequences. If you’re looking for more educational and fun content, you’re in the right place. Check out our topic menus and enjoy working through our hundreds of other blog posts.
