Spring in Oklahoma means blue skies one minute—and swirling storm clouds the next. Tornado season is part of life here, and while most of us know what to do to protect ourselves and our homes, our vehicles often get overlooked in severe weather prep.

Whether you’re caught on the road during a storm or your car is parked at home, there are some smart steps you can take to minimize damage and stay safe. At Davis Paint & Auto Collision Center, we’ve seen just about everything Oklahoma’s weather can throw at a vehicle—so here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Stay Weather Aware
Keep a close eye on local weather forecasts, especially in the spring and early summer. Download a reliable weather app with alerts or tune into local stations for updates. If a tornado watch or warning is issued, avoid unnecessary driving. The safest place for you—and your car—is off the road.

2. Park Smart Before the Storm
If you have advance warning, try to move your car to a garage or covered area. If that’s not an option:

  • Park away from trees, power lines, or anything that could fall

  • Avoid parking under overpasses or in low-lying areas that could flood

  • In public places, look for parking garages that offer temporary shelter during major storms

3. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
If you’re caught in a storm while driving, you’ll want to be prepared. Every car should have:

  • A flashlight and extra batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Water and non-perishable snacks

  • Blanket or rain poncho

  • Phone charger

  • A glass breaker and seatbelt cutter

These supplies can make all the difference if you’re stranded or stuck after a storm.

4. What to Do If You’re Driving During a Tornado
If you’re on the road and spot a funnel cloud or hear tornado warnings:

  • Do not try to outrun the tornado

  • If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building

  • If no shelter is available, pull over and get as low as possible—either lie flat in a ditch or stay in the car with your seatbelt on and your head below window level. Cover yourself with a blanket or coat for protection from flying debris

Your safety comes first—vehicles can be repaired, but lives can’t be replaced.

5. After the Storm: Inspect and Document Damage
Once the danger has passed, check your vehicle for damage such as:

  • Hail dents on the hood, roof, or trunk

  • Broken glass or mirrors

  • Flooding inside the cabin

  • Tree limbs or debris that may have struck the body or undercarriage

Take photos of the damage from different angles—these will be helpful for insurance claims and for getting started with repairs.

If your car has dents or storm-related body damage, our Paintless Dent Repair service can often fix it quickly without the need for repainting. More severe damage? Our expert Collision Repair team is ready to help. We also handle Automotive Repair for vehicles affected by water or electrical issues after a storm.

Let Davis Paint & Auto Collision Center Help You Recover
Tornado season is unpredictable, but your repair process doesn’t have to be. At Davis Paint & Auto Collision Center, we’re here to help you recover fast, safely, and with as little stress as possible.

We serve Oklahoma drivers from three convenient locations:

  • Oklahoma City Location – Call 405.733.9797

  • South Oklahoma City Location – Call 405.691.1820

  • Midwest City Location – Call 405.732.0762

If your car’s taken a hit from recent storms or you want to get a professional inspection before the next one rolls in, give us a call. We’ll make sure your vehicle—and your peace of mind—are in good shape this tornado season.