Hail storms can be a nightmare for vehicle owners. Hailstones, which can range in size from a small pebble to a softball, can cause serious damage to your car’s body, windows, and paint job. Unfortunately, you can’t always predict when a hail storm will occur, but if you know one is coming or happening, there are some steps you can take to protect your vehicle.
Here are some tips on how to protect your vehicle from hail damage:
- Find Covered Parking
If you know a hail storm is coming, the best thing you can do to protect your car is to find covered parking. If you have a garage or carport, make sure your car is parked there before the storm hits. If you don’t have covered parking at home, consider finding a nearby parking garage or covered lot where you can park your car.
- Use a Car Cover
If you don’t have access to covered parking, you can still protect your vehicle by using a car cover. A car cover will provide a layer of protection between your car and the hailstones. Make sure you get a cover that is specifically designed for your make and model of car to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, make sure the cover is securely fastened to your car to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.
- Use Blankets or Mats
If you don’t have a car cover, you can use blankets or mats to protect your vehicle. Place the blankets or mats over your car’s body and windows, and secure them in place with bungee cords or duct tape. This won’t provide as much protection as a car cover, but it’s better than nothing.
- Park Away from Trees
If you can’t find covered parking or use a car cover, try to park your car away from trees. Hailstones can fall from the trees and cause damage to your car. Additionally, if the wind is strong enough, the branches can also fall and damage your vehicle.
- Use Your Floor Mats
If you’re caught in a hail storm while driving and can’t find covered parking, use your floor mats to protect your car’s windows. Place the floor mats on the dashboard and rear window to provide a layer of protection. This won’t prevent all damage, but it can help reduce the impact of the hailstones.
- Consider Hail Protection Products
If you live in an area that frequently experiences hail storms, you may want to consider investing in hail protection products. There are various products available on the market, such as hail blankets and hail nets, that are designed to protect your car from hail damage. These products can be expensive, but they can be worth it if you live in a high-risk area.
If you know a hail storm is coming or happening, there are several steps you can take to protect your vehicle. By finding covered parking, using a car cover or blankets, parking away from trees, using your floor mats, and considering hail protection products, you can minimize the damage to your car and avoid costly repairs. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to protecting your vehicle from hail damage.