Getting Your Car Ready for Hurricane Season in South Carolina
What to do before a hurricane hits
A hurricane can strand you on the road, damage your car where it sits, or force you to evacuate quickly. The time to prepare your vehicle is now — before storm warnings arrive. Start with the basics: make sure your car runs, your tires have tread, your battery works, and your brakes are solid. A car that breaks down during evacuation or in flood water puts you and your family at risk.
Beyond mechanical readiness, you need supplies in your vehicle and a plan for where to park it if a storm is coming. South Carolina's hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity in August and September. Most damage happens not from the wind itself but from flooding, fallen trees, and storm surge — all things that affect where and how you drive.
Key Takeaways
- Check your car's battery, brakes, tires, and fluid levels now, before hurricane season, so you know it will start and run if you need to leave.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car year-round: water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a phone charger that works without power.
- Know which roads flood in your area and have a second route planned before a storm arrives, because evacuation routes fill up and some roads become impassable.
- Park your car away from trees, power lines, and storm drains if you know a hurricane is coming, or follow your county's evacuation order if one is issued.
- Fill your gas tank when a hurricane watch is issued for your area, not when the warning comes, because gas stations run out of fuel during evacuations.
Maintenance checks to do right now
Your car needs to start and run reliably when you need it most. Check your battery by turning on the headlights — they should be bright, not dim. If they are dim or your car has been hard to start lately, have the battery tested at an auto parts store (most do this free) or by a mechanic. A dead battery during evacuation is a real problem.
Look at your tires. Worn tires lose grip on wet roads, and hurricane season means heavy rain. Check the tread depth by inserting a penny into the groove with Lincoln's head upside down — if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn. All four tires should have adequate tread, not just two. Uneven wear means your alignment may be off, which a mechanic can fix.
Have your brakes inspected if you have not done so in the past year. Brakes that feel soft, pull to one side, or make noise need attention before hurricane season. Test your windshield wipers and top off your washer fluid — you will need clear visibility in heavy rain. Check your oil, coolant, and transmission fluid levels; low fluid can cause your engine to overheat or fail.
Emergency supplies to keep in your car
Pack a small emergency kit and leave it in your car. You may be stuck in traffic during evacuation, stranded if flooding closes a road, or waiting for help if your car breaks down. Keep these items where they will not spoil or freeze: bottled water (one gallon per person per day, for at least three days), a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables or a portable jump starter, and a phone charger that does not need a car outlet (a solar charger or hand-crank charger works when the power is out).
Add a basic tool kit: a screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, and duct tape. Include a tire plug kit or a can of tire sealant if you know how to use it. Keep a paper map of your area in the car — GPS and phone navigation fail when cell towers go down or your phone battery dies. A whistle, a reflective vest, and a headlamp are small items that can help rescuers find you if you are stranded.
Store these supplies in a plastic container or bag that you can grab quickly. Check the kit twice a year — once before hurricane season and once in the spring — to replace water, check battery dates, and make sure nothing has leaked or spoiled.
Planning evacuation routes and knowing flood zones
Before hurricane season, learn which roads in your area flood during heavy rain. Ask your neighbors, check your city or county website, or call your local emergency management office. Some roads are impassable after just a few inches of water. Knowing which ones they are means you can avoid them or leave earlier if a storm is coming.
Identify at least two routes out of your neighborhood and your city. If a hurricane threatens, evacuation routes fill with traffic and some roads may close. Having a backup route keeps you from getting stuck. Write down the routes or save them on your phone before the storm season starts. If you have family or friends outside your evacuation zone, plan to go there; if not, your county will open shelters and announce them when an evacuation order is issued.
Check whether your home is in an evacuation zone. South Carolina counties divide coastal and flood-prone areas into zones A, B, and C, with A being the first to evacuate. Your county website or emergency management office can tell you your zone. Knowing your zone helps you understand when you need to leave — zone A residents may be ordered out before zones B and C.
What to do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued
A hurricane watch means a hurricane could hit your area within 48 hours. A hurricane warning means it is expected within 36 hours. When a watch is issued, fill your gas tank. Gas stations run out of fuel during evacuations, and you do not want to be searching for gas when a warning is in effect or when traffic is heavy.
Check your car one more time: make sure it starts, the battery is clean and tight, and your tires look sound. Top off all fluids. If you know a storm is coming and you have a garage, park inside. If you do not have a garage, park away from trees, power lines, and storm drains. Falling branches and flying debris cause most vehicle damage during hurricanes. Storm drains can overflow and flood parked cars.
If your county issues an evacuation order for your zone, leave as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute — roads become gridlocked and gas stations run dry. Take your emergency kit, important documents, and anything you cannot replace. If you do not have a car or cannot drive, call 211 or your county emergency management office to find out about transportation to a shelter.
Dealing with flooded roads and stalled vehicles
Never drive through standing water. You cannot see how deep it is, and as little as six inches of moving water can sweep a car off the road. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find another route. If your car stalls in water, do not try to restart it — water in the engine can cause permanent damage. Get out and move to higher ground if the water is rising.
If your car stalls on a dry road during a storm, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside with your seatbelt on unless there is immediate danger (such as a power line down on the car). Call 911 if you need help. If you are on a highway, stay in your car; if you are on a local road and it is safe to exit, move away from the vehicle and traffic.
After the storm passes, do not assume roads are safe. Downed power lines, debris, and washouts may not be visible. If a road is blocked or flooded, do not cross it. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 to report it.
Insurance and documentation
Make sure your auto insurance is current and you know your policy details. Keep a copy of your insurance card and policy in your car and also at home or on your phone. If your car is damaged during a hurricane, you will need this information to file a claim.
Take photos of your car now — the exterior, interior, and odometer — and store them somewhere safe (email them to yourself or upload them to cloud storage). If your car is damaged, these photos help prove its condition before the storm. Keep receipts for any recent repairs or maintenance; they show the car's value and condition.
If your car is damaged by a hurricane, report it to your insurance company as soon as you can. Document all damage with photos and keep receipts for any temporary repairs or rentals. Your insurance company will tell you whether the damage is covered and what steps to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in my car if I get caught in a hurricane?
Yes, unless there is immediate danger like a downed power line or a tree falling on the car. Stay inside with your seatbelt on, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 if you need help. A car provides some protection from wind and flying debris. Do not try to drive to safety in heavy rain or high winds.
What should I do if my car overheats during evacuation traffic?
Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heat to pull warmth away from the engine. If the temperature gauge is in the red zone, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before restarting. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. If it overheats again, call for a tow.
Can I park my car at the airport or a parking garage during a hurricane?
Some airports and parking facilities offer hurricane parking, but you must reserve a spot in advance — they fill up quickly. Call ahead to ask about availability and cost. If you cannot find paid parking, park on high ground away from trees and power lines, or follow your county's evacuation order to a shelter.
What if I do not have a full tank of gas when an evacuation order is issued?
Leave immediately and drive to the nearest gas station. If stations are out of fuel, continue driving — you may find fuel further away. If your car runs out of gas, pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 or a towing service. Do not walk along the highway during a storm.
How do I know if my car is safe to drive after a hurricane?
Check for visible damage: broken windows, dents, or fluid leaks. Start the engine and listen for unusual noises. Test the brakes, steering, and lights. If anything seems wrong, do not drive it — have a mechanic inspect it first. If your car was flooded, do not try to start it; water damage can be extensive and expensive.