Hailstorms can occur with little warning, and hail size and intensity change quickly based on weather conditions. This means that it’s hard for meteorologists to accurately predict when or where a hailstorm may occur, making it nearly impossible for people to prepare for the storm and its potential damage. Hail damage can cause significant and expensive harm to your car. It can dent the bodywork and leave deep holes, which can be costly to repair or replace. Hailstones are also known to shatter glass and crack windshields, requiring a complete replacement. Serious hail damage may even cause a vehicle’s frame to become weakened, leading to structural damage that can be expensive and difficult to repair. All these repairs can quickly add up and be a significant financial burden.
Taking these simple precautions to protect your car can save you time and money in the long run from costly damages caused by hail stones:
If you know a hailstorm is coming, park your car in a garage or other covered area if possible. On simple way to protect your car from hail is by parking it in an enclosed garage or carport, if available. If you cannot park inside a structure, try to find shelter such as a large building overhang to help protect your vehicle from the hail.
If you don’t have access to covered parking, use one or more tarps to cover your vehicle. Make sure it is securely fastened and that the edges are weighted down with something heavy to prevent it from blowing away. Tarps are typically made from a material that is both lightweight and waterproof and can be draped over the car to protect it from any small hailstones that fall. The size and weight of hailstones can be significant, particularly if they are large enough to cause dents or even shatter windows. A tarp provides a layer of protection that will absorb some of the impacts, reducing the potential damage to your car.
There are specially designed car covers made from reinforced materials that can withstand the impacts of hailstones. These are more expensive than a tarp, but they offer better protection and often come with warranties. When a hailstorm hits, hailstones can dent bodywork and even crack windows, leading to costly repairs that could have otherwise been avoided. A hail-resistant cover acts as a shield against the impact of falling ice, reducing the chances of expensive damage to your vehicle. Additionally, if you live in an area that is prone to hailstorms, having a cover on hand can be convenient and save you time when bad weather strikes.
If you’re outside during a hailstorm, try to move your car out of the area and to the least risky space if possible. Open areas can provide some protection from hail and keep your vehicle safe. When parked in a covered area of trees and bushes, there is a risk that falling debris from overhead can land on the car and cause further damage. On a similar note, hail is usually accompanied by high winds which can cause flying debris to hit your car, so it’s important to drive away from any structures that could possibly be damaged and send debris toward your vehicle.
Professional help is important when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a hailstorm because even the smallest dents and dings can have a major effect on the aesthetics and performance of your vehicle.
If you do experience hail damage on your vehicle, seek professional help as soon as possible. Hail repair specialists are trained to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Here at Col’s Body Shop, we specialise in smash repairs, where our skilled technicians can repair anything from minor dents to major structural damage. If you are dealing with hail damage, our Paintless Dent Removal service and many other methods are able to transform your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition!
Our direct partnerships and recommended repairer status for major insurance companies such as Bingle, AAMI, Toyota Finance Insurance, Suncorp, and GIO, means we can deal directly with your insurance company to have you back on the road faster.
Click here to receive a quote today and have your hail damage repaired as soon as possible!
Following these tips can help you avoid or minimize the damage caused by a hailstorm to your car. It is important to remember that even the best protection may not prevent all damage but taking steps to protect your vehicle will at least reduce the amount of repair work needed after a storm.
