There’s no question about whether or not hail can cause damage to your vehicle. But what sort of circumstances affect just how much damage your vehicle incurs? Here are a few factors that influence the severity of the damage and the extent of the hail damage repairs you’ll need.
Hailstone Size
Did you know that hailstones can have a diameter of six inches or more? While this is pretty far from the norm, the possibility of large hailstones that can smash through windows and crack windshields is a very real one. That being said, hailstones don’t have to be giant in order to necessitate hail damage repairs for your vehicle. In fact, hailstones that are just one inch in diameter and falling consistently cause damage to cars most frequently. The dimpled dents that result from such hailstorms are often smaller but still numerous and can require costly repairs. In most cases, unless the hailstones cracked the paint, paintless dent repairs are the best option for vehicle hail damage.
Length of the Hailstorm
The duration of a hailstorm can also affect just how much damage your car sustains. A hailstorm that lasts just a few minutes might not leave any noticeable dents to the untrained eye. (Keep in mind, it may take specialized lighting to inspect your vehicle and ensure no hail damage is present.) On the other hand, a hailstorm that lasts an hour or more could do some decent damage to your car. If you’re trying to avoid the need for hail damage repairs, then make sure you keep an eye on the forecast so you can prepare adequately for any hailstorms on the horizon.
Hailstorm Wind Speed
Wind speed is a factor that most people don’t really think about when it comes to vehicle hail damage. The unfortunate truth is that wind has a lot to do with how much damage hail stones can wreak on your vehicle. Higher wind speeds typically contribute to more severe vehicle hail damage. It’s also important to take the hailstone size into account. Smaller hailstones, even moving at higher speeds, often still cause less damage than larger hailstones in high winds. Wind doesn’t just affect the speed at which the hailstones hit your car, it also affects the location of the damage. With low wind speed, damage frequently occurs on the hood, roof and trunk of a vehicle. But with higher wind speeds, the wind gusts can carry hailstones sideways and cause damage to more surface area of your vehicle. You’ll need a thorough evaluation of your vehicle to ensure no dents are missed when you take your car in for repairs.
Preventive Measures
Did you take any preventive measures to protect your vehicle before a hailstorm hit? This is a critical part of making sure your vehicle stays damage free in the event of a hailstorm. Ideally, a garage or carport is where you want to keep your vehicle to avoid any and all possibility of hail damage. Even a car cover or blankets can help shield your vehicle from hail damage. The more preventive measures you take, the less likely you are to need hail damage repairs at all. If you get caught in a hailstorm while driving, try to find a sheltered spot to park your vehicle as quickly as possible.
Any number of factors could influence just how much a passing hailstorm damages your car. If your car ever sustains such damage, don’t wait to invest in hail damage repairs. Maintaining the vehicle and condition of your vehicle is important, and paintless dent repairs are your best option to restore your vehicle to its pre-damaged appearance and worth. Contact Dent Shop today for a free hail damage repair estimate, top-notch repairs and premier customer service.