Protecting Your Car During Brisbane’s Summer Storms
Posted in Servicing Insights
How to Protect Your Car this Summer Storm Season in Brisbane
If you’ve lived in Brisbane for more than five minutes, you know the feeling.
Blue skies one minute. Dark clouds rolling in from the west the next. Then suddenly it’s bucketing down, the wind is howling, and hailstones are bouncing down the street like marbles.
Brisbane summer storms are fast, intense, and often unpredictable - and every year they leave thousands of vehicles across South East Queensland dealing with hail damage, water ingress, smashed windscreens and electrical issues.
The good news? While we can’t control the weather, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage and to make sure your car is ready to cope with whatever storm season throws at it.
Why Brisbane Storms Are So Tough on Cars
Our storm season typically ramps up from late spring through summer, when hot, humid conditions collide with cooler air systems. That’s when we see:
- Sudden hailstorms
- Torrential rain and flash flooding
- Strong, gusty winds
- Fallen branches and debris
In Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, flash flooding can happen incredibly quickly, especially near creeks, low-lying roads and older stormwater systems.
And hail doesn’t need to be “golf-ball-sized” to cause costly panel and glass damage.
Before the Storm: Simple Prep That Makes a Big Difference
1. Park Smart (and Early)
If you have access to a garage or carport, use it. Even if it usually stores bikes, boxes or “I’ll deal with that later” stuff.
No cover at home? Consider:
- Undercover shopping centre car parks
- Secure, covered work parking
- Carports or solid shelters nearby
Avoid parking under trees or power lines, no matter how tempting the shade looks.
2. Use Covers - or Improvise
A padded hail cover is ideal if storms are a regular concern where you live.
If you’re caught short:
- Thick blankets or doonas can help absorb impact
- Floor mats placed over the windscreen can help protect glass
- Secure coverings so they don’t blow away
Your windscreen is one of the most vulnerable (and disabling) parts of your vehicle. Protecting it can make the difference between driving away and being stranded.
3. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Brisbane storms can escalate quickly, but the Bureau of Meteorology often gives you a head start.
Checking forecasts before heading out (especially on stormy afternoons) can give you time to plan parking or delay travel altogether.
If You’re Driving When a Storm Hits
Storm safety is always about people first, vehicles second. If you’re caught on the road:
- Slow down and turn your headlights on
- Increase your following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or steering
- Never drive through floodwater - if it’s flooded, forget it.
Just 15cm of moving water can sweep a small car away. Even experienced drivers in SUVs and utes get caught out every year across SEQ.
If visibility drops or hail becomes intense, find a safe place to stop, away from:
- Trees
- Power lines
- Flood-prone dips or creeks
Undercover car parks or service station awnings can offer temporary shelter. Just don’t block access for others.
After the Storm: What to Check Before You Drive On
Once the weather clears, take a few minutes to look over your vehicle before heading off.
Check for:
- Windscreen cracks or chips
- Water inside the cabin
- Warning lights on the dash
- Unusual noises or handling
Even minor storm damage can worsen over time, especially water-related issues affecting brakes, electronics or safety systems.
A Note for Electric Vehicle Owners
If your vehicle has been exposed to floodwater, don’t drive or charge it until it’s been inspected by a qualified technician.
Water-damaged battery systems can pose a delayed fire risk and should always be checked professionally.
How Motorama Can Help After a Storm
Brisbane storms are part of life and at Motorama our service teams see the aftermath every year.
If your car has been caught in a storm, we can:
- Inspect your vehicle for visible and hidden damage
- Check brakes, suspension, electronics and safety systems
- Assess windscreen chips before they turn into cracks
- Help you understand what needs attention now vs later
Whether it’s part of a scheduled service or a post-storm check for peace of mind, our technicians are here to help you get back on the road safely.
Storms are unpredictable. Your response doesn’t have to be.
A little preparation goes a long way and, when the storm passes, having your car checked by local experts can save you bigger problems down the track.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle was affected by recent wild weather, book a service inspection with Motorama and let our team take a closer look.
