Living in the beautiful city of Miami has many advantages, from the temperate weather, gorgeous views, to the friendly and warm populace. While you might not be ready to relocate there quite yet, you should always be ready to go for a visit, especially when you live on the East Coast or Midwest and get struck by a serious case of the winter blues.
That being said, Miami is a car-oriented city, and you would need a vehicle to be able to drive around freely and get yourself to the best restaurants, beaches, and clubs. Furthermore, while Miami is a lovely, fairly copacetic place, you would need to take a few steps to ensure that you know how to best secure your vehicle – just in case. Here are a few starting points to help you out:
Getting There and Everywhere
While public transportation in Miami might be a bit tough compared to other major cities since, again, the city prioritizes walking or driving, there are quite a few apps and tools to help you make sure that parking is less of a drag. First things first, look into the feasibility of Miami International Airport parking in case you need to leave your vehicle there for a short while. Second, search for parking spots online depending on where you need to go and when ahead of time; parking in Miami is costly and hard to come by, so this extra step can help save you quite a bit of time.
Beware- Salt Water
If you are staying somewhere near the ocean, note that the salty air and sun can accelerate the vehicle’s deterioration, and the resulting rust can damage your car’s paint job. To avoid hefty bills in the future and protect your car’s finish, be sure to get regular waxes so that there is a protective layer on the paint, and keep your car covered as often as possible.
Keep Cool
While the weather in Miami is certainly the envy of many other cities, it is necessary to protect your car’s air conditioning system, especially in the summer. The heat in Florida can be brutal and not having a proper cooling system in the car is dangerous. In order to ensure that your air conditioner is working properly, take in your vehicle for a periodic performance check at your local mechanic. He or she will measure the pressure and can help with making sure that everything is in working order.
Car Battery Damage
Excessive heat can seriously damage your car’s battery by causing the battery fluid to evaporate. Avoid this by regularly checking under the hood and inspect the battery’s connections, cleaning to remove any corrosion, lead oxidation, or rust.
So, go on and enjoy exploring the wonderful city of Miami. Spend hours at Miami Beach, go to the latest and coolest nightclubs, and enjoy some of the best food the country has to offer. But be sure to do all that while taking good care of your car; whether it is rented or something you own it will be your lifeline as you trek around the city.