The dog days of summer may be in your rearview mirror, but the threat of major storms and natural disasters is just beginning. Hurricanes can strike New York and New Jersey area throughout September and October, and the arrival of the fall season means that other rainstorms and even blizzards are on the horizon. 

Mother Nature may have a mind of her own, but you can still come up with a few ideas to try to thwart her. If you don't have a personal weather machine handy, however, you may have to settle for taking action to prepare for the worst. 

Prepare for natural disasters
The Car Care Council cited a few areas that drivers should make sure are up-to-snuff before nasty weather hits. Near the top of the list are tire tread and pressure, as they are needed to grip slick or icy roadways. Similarly, motorists should have their brakes serviced. You never know what a storm will throw at you – literally or figuratively – but having the brakes checked out can ensure you're ready to stop at a moment's notice. 

"Emergencies and natural disasters come in a variety of forms, and you don't always have time to prepare," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "It is important and gives you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is always ready for the task." 

Have an emergency kit
You might not be able to control the weather, but you can control how you react to problems. Your response starts with having an emergency kit ready to go in your car. The most basic pack should have a flashlight, jumper cables, an area map and a first-aid kit. More prepared individual will also have blankets, nonperishable foods and bottled water, along with road flares, which can alert others in the area as to your immediate needs. 

Kits may come in handy in the event of an emergency, but there are other things you can do to make sure your ride is ready for anything. The team at NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can help. These professionals are able to address any problems you may have with your vehicle, ensuring that every aspect of your ride is doing its job. If all else fails, you can search through the hundreds of options on the lot to find a used car that fits your needs.