So your car got stuck by lightning... now what?

 They say your odds of getting struck by lightning are 1 in 15,300 (or so says the National Weather Service). And while those odds are pretty much in your favor that you won't be, there's always a chance. Today our N Charlotte Toyota dealership is going over what to do if your car gets struck by lightning and the damage that it can cause when this type of accident occurs. 

What should you do if your car gets struck by lightning? 

There really is no way to avoid your car getting struck by lightning other than to just not drive in thunderstorms, which we know isn't always feasible. So if you do find yourself in a situation where your N Charlotte Toyota has been struck, here are the steps to take after the fact. 

• If you're inside of your car, pull over and park. Turn your hazard lights on and refrain from touching ANYTHING metal (plastic is OK). Remember, metal is a conductor and there could still be electrical energy from the lightning surging through the car. 

• Put your hands in your lap and sit still for at least 30 minutes. It's also a good idea to call local emergency services to let them know what's happened and have them send help. 
• Don't open any doors or windows until the 30-minute period has elapsed. 

• If you're not in your car when it gets struck by lightning, it's still a good idea to call local emergency services and report what happened. 

• Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to open any doors of the vehicle. 

In both cases, you need to contact your car insurance company as quickly as possible. Your comprehensive policy on your insurance should cover lightning strikes, but you do need to start a claim right away. While physical aesthetic damage is easily tied to lightning, it can be more difficult to link electrical systems and mechanical damage as time goes on. 

What happens when your car gets struck by lightning? 

What types of damage can occur when your car gets struck by lightning? Here's what the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service center have to say about it. 

Your electrical system and electronics could be fried. When your car gets struck by lightning, it could result in your electrical system being fried or melted. This can also damage electronics in your car, like your multimedia systems and cameras. 

Your N Charlotte Toyota could suffer mechanical or engine damage. Lightning strikes can also cause engine and other mechanical damage, which could leave you stranded as your car won't start. 

Your paint, glass, and exterior plastic accessories could be damaged. When your car gets struck by lightning you may experience paint damage on the exterior, as well as broken glass and melted or warped plastic. 

Your airbags may deploy. In some cases, a lightning strike will cause your airbags to deploy. If the other damage to your N Charlotte Toyota is bad enough, your car insurance company may declare the car totaled. 

Whether you have questions about what to do after your car gets struck by lightning or you need auto repairs to the damage it incurred, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. 

EV range anxiety: What it is and how to beat it

 If you're thinking about putting an electric car (EV) in your driveway, then you probably have already considered the "fueling" part of the ownership experience. These unique vehicles run completely on battery with no gasoline needed whatsoever, and just like other devices that run on battery (like your phone), electric vehicles need to be charged. This is where EV range anxiety might enter the equation. 

EV range anxiety is just what it sounds like - when a driver feels anxious about their car's range, or how far the vehicle can go on one single charge. Drivers experiencing EV range anxiety may worry about their car running out of charge, not being able to find a charging station, etc. and it can put the damper on the excitement of driving a new vehicle. Toyota of North Charlotte is here to help! 

Four ways to beat EV range anxiety 

Luckily, there are simple ways to beat or at least alleviate EV range anxiety. Here are some tips from the experts at Toyota of N Charlotte. 

Tip #1: Be proactive and watch charge levels. Be a proactive driver and watch the charge level of your car - if you notice it's dipping low, stop and charge up as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last minute when you may be unable to find a charging station. Remember, gas stations are numerous, but charging stations may be harder to find in some areas. 

Tip #2: Download apps to help you find charging stations. Download apps on your smartphone to help you find charging stations! Toyota of N Charlotte highly recommends Chargepoint, EVGo, ChargeMap, PlugShare, and NextCharge. All of them can take your current location and recommend a charging station nearby. 

Tip #3: Invest in a home charging station. It's an investment, but a home charging station can give you added peace of mind. You can charge your EV every single night while you sleep and drive easily knowing that every day, you're riding on a fresh charge. All you need is a certified electrician and a garage to make it happen. 

Tip #4: Stay on a routine maintenance schedule. It sounds weird, but staying on a routine maintenance schedule can actually help alleviate EV range anxiety. Our techs will conduct a free multi-point inspection of your vehicle every time you bring it in for routine care, and they can spot any issues that might be affecting your car's battery and performance before they become big and costly. 

And remember, EVs have come a long way. While the earlier electric cars didn't have much in the way of range, advancements in tech have stretched things a lot farther. The N Charlotte Toyota bz4X, for example, has a range of 252 miles on just one charge. 

And if EV range anxiety has you second-guessing an electric car, why not compromise? You can drive home a plug-in hybrid like the N Charlotte Toyota RAV4 Prime or Prius Prime. Plug-in hybrids can run solely on battery charge, but they also have a hybrid system to fall back on should they run out of range. 

Shop EVs at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Let us help you beat your EV range anxiety - shop today at Toyota of N Charlotte! We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. You can call to schedule a test drive at (704) 874-9199!