Some Interesting Tips to Protect your Car against Unexpected Damages

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The normal wear and tear of car parts are expected. Hence, the depreciation rate of a car is highest in the first 2 years of driving it out of an auto dealership. The resale value of a car is affected by its depreciation cost as well as any damage to the vehicle. Here are some tips to protect your car against unexpected damages.

Vehicle Protection against Storm Damage

If you are a resident of a storm, flood or hurricane-prone region, here are some unusual yet genius tips to help protect your car from unexpected weather damage:

• Store a list of shopping centres with covered car parking area into your GPS. In the case of an advanced weather alert, drive to the nearest shopping centre and park your car in the underground parking area. Make sure you store sufficient supplies like fuel, first-aid, food, and money in your car to help you cope with the sudden change in weather conditions. Once the weather has improved, you can drive out of the parking area safely ensconced in your car.
• Use blow-up mattresses as a makeshift protective layer to cover the windscreens and roof of your car in order to save it from hail storm damage.
• In the absence of a garage, you can build a temporary shelter for your vehicle with a roof-rack attached to the top of your car, a garden shed and some rope. This makeshift roof can protect your car from the top and possibly the sides.
• Shroud your car with bubble-wrap can cloak it against hail. Use the bubble-wrap casing on parked cars, not on the ones in motion. Even paddling pools that are used by kids in swimming pools can be used to cover the roof of the car against hail damage.
• Park your car close to a building that offers at least partial protection from high winds or rain.
• Avoid driving on flooded roads or washed-out bridges. Drive only if it is an emergency. Look out for fallen trees or electric lines on your path. The wise thing to do would be to take shelter from unruly weather conditions.

Vehicle Protection against Vandalism

During riots, vehicles are the first to be targeted by miscreants. The vehicle damages incurred as a result of vandalism can bring down the resale value of your car. To protect your car against vandalism take the following security measures:

• Park your car in a closed garage with locked doors. Don’t park your car in a badly lit street. If you have no other option but to park your car in an open public space then choose a street that has CCTV cameras, guards, and good lighting.
• Don’t keep valuables in your car. If you have no other choice but to leave your valuables in the car then make it a point to hide them from view.
• Install visible security devices such as a camera or an alarm system in your car to discourage thieves from breaking into your parked car.
• Add an extra layer of protective wax on your car to protect it from surface damage. After capturing pictures of your damaged car for the insurance company and law enforcement, take your car for a car wash minimise the effects of chemicals on the exterior paintwork.
• Check your car fuel tank, tyres, and battery to ensure they are either full or in working condition. Check your tires for wear and tear. Keep your car fuel tank full. Ensure your car battery is sufficiently charged.

Vehicle Protection against Wire-Gnawing Rodents

Rodents like squirrels are attracted to vehicles as they provide a warm nesting spot. Squirrels are in the habit of gnawing on things (wires under the hood of your car or brake wires under the car) to check the growth of your teeth.

• Park your car in a sealed garage where a rodent can't sneak in. If there are any holes in the doors or walls of the garage then use aluminum flashing, sheet metal or stainless steel mesh to cover the holes.
• You can check with your mechanic to find out if any bad-tasting spray can be used to coat the exposed wires of your vehicle to discourage rodents from gnawing on it. You need to ensure the spray doesn’t damage your car parts.
• Leaving the hood of your car open can discourage squirrels from using it as a warm nesting spot. However, this measure could also encourage opportunistic burglary. Therefore, ensure you keep an eye on the parked car.

Prevent Car Fire

Vehicle fires are not only damaging to your car but also life-threatening. Here are some steps you can take to prevent car fire:

• Schedule your car for regular testing and maintenance. While it may add to your expense, it is much better than risking a car fire when you are in the car.
• Car fires are usually caused due to a malfunctioning electrical system. Ensure your car battery is in working condition and hooked up properly. Make sure the wiring is not frayed or damaged. Get your car electrical system checked regularly.
• Check your car for fuel leakage, bad fuel injectors, and cracked fuel lines.
• Installing extra speakers and lights in your car can cause overheating and a resultant car fire.
• Don't store flammable materials in your car like lighter fluids, gas cylinders, and propane gas.
• Avoid smoking in your car. Keep your car uncluttered with trash such as paper which can fuel a fire.
• Carry a blanket or a fire extinguisher in your car to put out small fires.
• Look out for rapid changes in fuel level or fluid level of your car. This can be an indication of a fuel or fluid leakage.
• Look out for signs of an overheated car engine and loud noises from your car exhaust pipe.
• Get the oil in your car changed by a competent mechanic.

Preparing for a disaster can prevent your car from major damages. What’s more, a comprehensive car insurance policy can protect you against any vehicle damage incurred as a result of bad weather conditions, auto theft, vandalism, etc. Keep your car insurance documents handy. Renew your car insurance policy on time in order to receive continuous protection.