According to widespread information, the average length of a hailstorm reaches around six minutes. During this time, bad weather that is often accompanied by a storm can turn into a real disaster, often causing damage and crushing vehicles. As a rule, small balls of ice up to half an inch (around 1 cm) in diameter don’t leave any significant scratches or marks on the car. At the same time, it’s impossible to predict the weather conditions or the size of the hail. Therefore, it’s worth taking care of the car body and window glass protection in advance. That’s why we’ve decided to gather some key tips and tricks to keep our readers and car enthusiasts educated. Read on to learn more and be prepared for difficult weather conditions!
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How to Minimize Hail Damage to Your Car
Proper preparation plays a vital role in reducing the risk of hail damage to your vehicle. A car cover tent or special air bubble film doesn’t take up much space in the vehicle’s trunk. You can unfold the protection in a few seconds and save the automobile’s surface from damage by large hailstones. To prevent the film from blowing away due to gusts of wind, it can be fixed by the closed hood and trunk.
To thoroughly protect the car, pay attention to special anti-hail vehicle coverage. There are several options available:
- a bubble-wrap film similar to that used to protect fragile goods;
- an air-bubble film in several layers with fastening on wheel discs;
- an inflatable cape that needs to be stretched and pumped with air.
So, there are a few options to choose from when picking reliable car body coverage. Speaking of the manufacturers, we recommend deciding only on well-known auto body protection producers so the film or another coverage will meet your needs.
Hail When You Are Driving: What to Do?
If difficult weather conditions with freezing rain catch you on the road, the best advice here is to stop. The speed of the car is added to the speed of the falling hail, so we get a stronger impact and a larger scale of damage to the car’s body. If there’s an opportunity, go to any sheltered spot near you. It can be a gas station, a covered parking lot, or the nearest shop with proper facilities to protect your automobile.
When there is no sheltered place nearby, try to cover the surface of the car with something you have available. For example, car floor mats, trunk trays, blankets, towels, and seat covers are suitable if they are quickly removed. First, cover the part of the car that is more difficult and expensive to repair and restore—the roof. Remember one important rule when protecting your car from hail: it’s better to cover one part completely than several vehicle body zones partially.
As for the protection under trees, this is a controversial issue. On the one hand, the tree’s leaves and branches can soften the impact on the body. On the other hand, with strong gusts of wind, which are often accompanied by a hail attack, the car can be even more damaged by large branches that break off.
Make Use of the Insurance Coverage
An insurance policy is a wise decision to protect your car from hail damage. Hailstorms can be unpredictable and cause significant harm to vehicles, leaving owners with costly repairs. By obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage, you can reduce the financial burden of hail-related damages.
The main point to consider here is to be attentive when choosing an insurance company and always check their coverage as well as all the documents the organization provides. As a rule, comprehensive insurance typically covers damages caused by natural disasters, including hail, providing peace of mind in the face of unforeseen weather events. When selecting an insurance policy, it’s essential to review the coverage terms, its conditions, and claim procedures to ensure you have the protection that meets your needs.
By investing in insurance coverage, you can rest assured knowing that your car is safeguarded against the potential ravages of hailstorms, allowing you to enjoy the journey without worrying about the weather.
The Bottom Line
Safeguarding your car from hail damage requires proactive measures and quick thinking. By following the steps outlined above, including finding shelter, utilizing car covers or blankets, or even using makeshift protection like pillows or mattresses, you can significantly reduce the risk of hail damage. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as inspecting and repairing any existing dents or cracks, and investing in comprehensive insurance coverage can provide an added layer of protection. You can also check your car’s history for hail damage.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to protecting your vehicle from hail, ensuring its longevity, and preserving its aesthetic appeal. By taking these precautions, you can minimize the potential impact of hailstorms and safeguard your cherished automobile.