JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are some simple steps you should take to protect your car during Hurricane Milton, especially if you live in an area expecting to get hit with high winds or that is prone to flooding.
Adrian Gibbs with the Nimnicht Family of Dealerships joined us on The Morning Show to walk you through the best way to protect your vehicle, whether it’s gas-powered or an Electric Vehicle.
Protecting your windshield:
- Use car covers or blankets to shield windows from debris and high winds
- Use tie-down straps to secure blankets and covers
- Do not park under any trees
Where are you parking your car during the storm?
If you don’t have a garage or carport, and live in a flood-prone area, park on high ground and/or elevated surfaces
Duval County has opened several city garages to the public for free. Here is a list of where they are located:
- Water Street
- Duval Street
- The Ed Ball Building
- The Yates Building
- Kings Avenue in San Marco
In St. Johns County, the parking garage located on San Marco Avenue in downtown St. Augustine is open to the public for free.
Protecting your Electric Vehicle
You should know a lithium-ion battery can become combustible when it is exposed to saltwater. If you live near the ocean and your area is prone to flooding, you need to park your EV somewhere else and 50 feet away from other structures or vehicles.
EV’s are perfectly safe, said Gibbs. But, like anything else you buy, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. High amounts of saltwater can trigger fires in these vehicles, she explained.
If your EV or any other car for that matter, is parked in standing water, do not try to start or drive it.
“You’re going to want to contact local roadside assistance or your local dealership or get it towed so you can get that checked out before you decide to turn that back on again or try to drive it,” said Gibbs.
If you evacuate and leave your car behind, do not leave it plugged into a charger. Plus, keep the battery at less than 30% charges, said Gibbs.
For those who drive a gas-powered car, Gibbs has this suggestion. “Some research shows if you want to disconnect your battery in your gas-powered car because you’re afraid your vehicle might take on water, you can disconnect the battery to potentially prevent any kind of electrical surging.”
Remember you should never drive through standing water, turn around so you don’t drown.
OnStar is offering all drivers during the hurricane who own vehicles equipped with the service, free use, even if you do not pay for a subscription.