Hailstorms can cause major damage. In fact, research shows it costs billions of dollars in property damage every year. The single best way to keep your car safe from hail is to keep it in your garage when there’s severe thunderstorms. But not everyone has a garage and some people need to get to and from work even during poor weather conditions.
What else can you do to keep your care safe from hail? We offer some suggestions in this article.
1. Find covered parking.
If you have a garage, then be sure to always park your car inside. But if hail occurs during your commute, find overhead protection in places like a parking deck, under a bridge or a gas station. at a gas station, parking deck, or under a bridge. There’s also the option to park under a tree, which may not entirely protect your vehicle but will at least slow the velocity of the ice thereby reducing damage.
2. Drape it with a thick blanket.
If your car is parked outdoors and there’s no option to park it in a covered area, place a thick blanket or comforter over it and make sure the hood and windshield are properly covered. If neither is available at the moment, take out the floor mats of your vehicle and place it in key parts of your car.
3. Invest in an inflatable car cover or storm protector. Vehicle owners who live in hail-prone areas should consider buying a hail blanket, mobile car tent or an inflatable car cover. Even if you have a garage, this item might come in handy. You can place it in the trunk of your vehicle so you can use it in case there’s a storm and you’re away from home.
Hail Size That Can Damage Vehicles
There’s no threshold for the size of hail that can damage cars. There are several variables that need to be considered in order to arrive at the right answer including the velocity of the falling hail, the direction of the wind, the make and model of the vehicle, and others.
Generally speaking, if you’re driving through a storm, your car could still end up with some minor damage with pea-size hailstones. If the hail is larger, it could cause dimples, dings and dents to your car. However, the damage tends to be more significant in parked vehicles than moving ones.
Hail Damage Repair for Vehicles
A single hailstorm can cause enough damage to total a vehicle. But it’s not always severe.
- Cosmetic damage: Minor dents to the exterior of the vehicle can be repaired using paintless dent repair technique if there’s no chipping. However, with chipped paint, it will require more work. Dents will need to be pounded and then the technicians will fill in spots. After which the body will be sanded, primed, and repainted.
- Severe damage: If there’s major hail damage, repairs can be very costly. Car body panels, trunks and hoods may be affected and windshields may be broken.
Protect your car from hail with the tips we shared so you can save yourself from costly repair expenses. If your vehicle’s been exposed to weather issues, consider having it washed at Autobell or Fast Eddie’s so that it can be thoroughly cleaned.