When hurricane season threatens, AMSOIL: Cam Synthetics in Concord, NC, helps you with this pre-hurricane vehicle protection checklist, which keeps your fleet storm-ready with proven protection strategies.

Hurricane season in North Carolina demands serious preparation, especially for your vehicles. Whether managing a business fleet or protecting your family cars, taking proactive steps now can mean the difference between minor inconvenience and major repair bills later.

Check Your Battery and Electrical System First

Your vehicle's battery faces extra strain during severe weather. Extreme humidity accelerates corrosion on terminals, while the increased use of wipers, lights, and other systems drains power faster.

Start your inspection with these critical checks:

• Clean battery terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution
• Look for any white or blue buildup that signals corrosion
• Test your battery's charge – replace if it's more than three years old or showing weakness
• Inspect your alternator belt for cracks or looseness

A dead battery during an evacuation isn't just inconvenient; it's dangerous. These simple checks take minutes but prevent failures when reliability is most needed.

Tire Inspection: Your First Line of Defense

Proper tire maintenance becomes critical during severe weather auto care in Concord. Worn tires struggle with wet roads, increasing the risk of hydroplaning when evacuation routes flood.

Check tire pressure weekly during hurricane season. Temperature fluctuations affect pressure, and underinflated tires reduce fuel economy, which is crucial when gas stations may be closed. Examine tread depth using the penny test: if you see Lincoln's entire head, it's time for a replacement.

Rotate tires according to manufacturer recommendations. Uneven wear reduces traction precisely when you need maximum grip on rain-slicked roads. Consider keeping your spare tire properly inflated as roadside assistance becomes scarce during storm evacuations.

Contact Cam Synthetics in Concord, NC at (704) 791-6900 or visit AMSOIL's online store to protect your vehicle with synthetic lubricants like AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil, engineered for extreme weather conditions.

Why Synthetic Oil Excels in Storm Conditions

Understanding why synthetic oil protects during hurricanes helps you make informed maintenance decisions. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants maintain consistent viscosity despite temperature extremes, ensuring proper flow, whether idling in evacuation traffic or pushing through standing water.

Synthetic oil's superior water resistance prevents emulsification, which occurs when water mixes with conventional oil, creating harmful sludge. This protection proves invaluable if your vehicle encounters unexpected flooding. Additionally, extended drain intervals mean fewer oil changes during chaotic storm seasons.

Brake System: Non-Negotiable Safety

Emergency car maintenance before storms must include a comprehensive brake inspection. Moisture infiltration accelerates brake fluid contamination, reducing stopping power when roads are most treacherous.

Have your mechanic check brake pad thickness and rotor condition. Worn components compromise safety and increase stopping distances on wet surfaces. If your brake fluid appears dark or hasn't been changed in two years, schedule a flush immediately.

Listen for these warning signs that indicate problems severe weather will only worsen:

• Squealing or squeaking when braking
• Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
• Pulsating or vibrating brake pedal
• Spongy or soft brake pedal feel

Remember: functioning brakes aren't optional during storm evacuations.

Cooling System Protection Matters

Your pre-hurricane vehicle protection checklist must include a cooling system inspection since your engine works overtime during slow evacuation traffic. Check coolant levels and condition, and if you find murky or rust-colored fluid, replace it immediately. Inspect hoses for cracks, soft spots, or bulges that signal impending failure.

Test your radiator cap's seal by checking for dried coolant residue. A faulty cap causes overheating, which is especially problematic during extended idling. Clean debris from your radiator fins to ensure maximum airflow when your engine needs it most.

Document and Fuel Strategy

Before storms threaten, photograph your vehicles from multiple angles. Document existing damage, mileage, and VINs for insurance purposes. Store copies in waterproof containers and cloud storage.

Keep fuel tanks above half-full throughout hurricane season. Gas stations lose power or run dry quickly when storms approach. Preparing your fleet for storm season means establishing refueling protocols that prevent last-minute scrambles.

For comprehensive hurricane protection, call Cam Synthetics in Concord, NC, at (704) 791-6900 or visit AMSOIL's online store to discover synthetic solutions that safeguard your vehicles when storms strike.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Stock each vehicle with hurricane-specific supplies:

• Jumper cables and a portable battery charger
• Basic tools including screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrench
• Tire sealant and portable air compressor
• Emergency flares and reflective triangles
• First aid supplies and medications
• Non-perishable food and water
• Battery-powered radio and flashlights
• Phone chargers and backup batteries
• Cash in small bills
• Waterproof document pouch

Final Pre-Storm Checklist

Protecting vehicles from hurricane flooding starts with completing your pre-hurricane vehicle protection checklist and implementing smart parking strategies:

• Choose elevated areas away from trees and power lines
• Park in garages or covered structures when possible
• Never leave vehicles in underground parking during flood threats
• Remove or secure loose items that become projectiles (bike racks, cargo carriers, aftermarket accessories)
• Cover air intakes if flooding seems likely, but remember to remove covers before driving

Trust Cam Synthetics in Concord, NC, at (704) 791-6900 or visit AMSOIL's online store for proven synthetic protection that keeps your vehicle running reliably through hurricane season and beyond.