Spring Car Cleaning
March is the month of transition, as the weather warms up, so does the intensity of storms. Iowans are excited to get back outside after a long winter, but is your car up to standard for March’s madness? As we prepare for spring flowers and April showers, follow the tips below to stay safe through spring’s tumultuous events:
Hail: When thinking about destructive storms, hail is not often at the top of everyone’s list. But on average, hail damage routinely totals over $1 billion a year in the U.S. Iowa is also in the top 10 states for frequency of hailstorms. How can you be prepared?
Utilize covered parking, such as a garage or carport, to protect your vehicle from smashed windows or dents. If you don’t have access to cover, use moving blankets to shield your car. If you happen to be on the road when a hailstorm begins, look for a gas station, parking deck, or overpass to protect your vehicle.
Road Salt and Potholes: The constant freezing and unfreezing means salty roads and a feeling as if you are driving over the surface of the moon due to the crater-like potholes. While road salt may not seem like a problem, it can become one if you do not wash your vehicle regularly. If left to sit, salt buildup can rust your frame, exhaust parts, fuel, and break lines, leading to costly repairs.
Protect against rust damage by deep cleaning your car, with special attention to the undercarriage. Be mindful to touch up the paint or existing scratches and finish the job with car wax to protect the finish. If you want to save your tires from potholes, slow down this spring and take well-lit roads that you know well.
Floods: Did you know it only takes 12 inches of water to sweep a car away? If a large storm causes flash floods this spring, do your best to avoid affected roads. Sometimes it may be unavoidable to drive through a flooded street, but if the water is higher than the bottom of your car doors, it is best to turn around. Be aware that 6 inches of water can stall your vehicle, damage electronics, exhaust system, and maybe even total it!
Ensure you’re ready for heavy rain by replacing your windshield wipers, tires, and be mindful of your route before hitting the road during a major storm.
What to do if damage occurs: Document everything you can of the vehicle damage, from photos to writing down how the damage occurred. Take the time to ask your insurer what your comprehensive insurance covers and find an approved mechanic for repairs. If any glass is broken, seal the affected window to prevent water intrusion or damage. Do not drive a hail or flood-damaged car until it has been cleared by a mechanic.
Let’s keep our cars safe this spring, Iowa!
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