Hail occurs when raindrops become so cold that they freeze before hitting the earth. As they fall, they can become quite large, reaching the size of golf balls or baseballs. No matter the size, ice hitting your vehicle from that far of a fall can leave significant damage, marring your car’s exterior with dents and dings. To avoid cosmetic damage and keep your car’s value, consider using these preventative measures when the next hailstorm rolls around.
Park Your Car in the Garage
The number one rule when a hailstorm rolls in is to seek shelter. If you have a garage, take full advantage of it, as it’s the most surefire way to prevent damage.
Take Advantage of Covered Parking
If you’re on the road or don’t have access to a personal garage, there are still buildings you can seek out for coverage. Consider finding a gas station, parking structure, or even a carport. You may not get to wait out the storm at home, but at least you’ll decrease your chances of exterior damage.
Turn to Nature
Hang on – hear us out. There are ways to combat nature with nature. Large trees and foliage can be a useful defense against the wrath of the sky. Unless the winds are torrential, there’s a good chance you can avoid damage by parking under a large, dense tree.
Hail-Proof Car Cover
If hailstorms worry you and you don’t have access to shelter, it might be worth it to invest in a hail-proof car cover. It might sound too good to be true, but these weatherproof car covers have been crafted with advanced materials that are flexible and durable. The padding of the cover helps distribute the force of the impact, reducing the chance of damage that would inevitably occur without it.
DIY It
If you don’t have access to shelter or a hail-proof car cover, you can find a makeshift defense in your own home. By laying thicker blankets or comforters over your car, you create a barrier between the exterior and the hail, absorbing some of the shock of the impact.
If you want more tips on how to prevent hail damage or need previous damage repaired, come see us at Jay Hodge Chevrolet. Located in Sulphur Springs, TX, our team is passionate about keeping our customers and their vehicles safe. To schedule your next appointment with us, give us a call or head to our website. We look forward to seeing you!