Keep Your Ride Looking Smooth

Understanding And Addressing Car Hail Damage

18 May 2023 by Max Day

Car hail damage is a common concern for vehicle owners, particularly those in areas prone to severe weather conditions. Hailstones can vary in size and cause varying degrees of damage to vehicles, including dents, paint chipping, and windshield cracks.

What Are Some Common Ways Hail Can Damage A Car?

Hailstones can cause an array of damages depending on their size and speed. The most common type of car hail damage is dents on the vehicle's body panels. Hailstones often create round or irregular-shaped indentations that may be either shallow or deep based on the impact force.

The severity of damage caused by hailstorms varies due to the size of the hailstones, their speed upon impact, and the angle at which they strike your vehicle. Larger hailstones or those traveling at higher speeds will generally result in more significant damage.

What Happens If You Do Not Fix Your Car's Hail Damage?

Leaving car hail damage unrepaired can lead to various problems down the line. For instance, if water enters through cracks or gaps created by dented panels or damaged seals around windows or doors during subsequent rainstorms, it could lead to rust formation or other internal issues within your vehicle.

Additionally, unrepaired car hail damages can significantly affect your vehicle's resale value by making it less visually appealing to potential buyers. In some cases, extensive unaddressed damage may even render a car unfit for sale without costly repairs first being performed.

Is Paintless Dent Removal An Option For Hail Damage Repair?

Paintless dent removal is an effective option for repairing hail damage on vehicles. This process involves carefully massaging the dented area's backside to restore it to its original shape without damaging the paint. PDR can save time and money compared to traditional body repair methods that require sanding, filling, and repainting dented areas.

PDR is most suitable for shallow dents without paint damage, but it may not be ideal for larger or more severe dents due to the risk of stretching or cracking the paint during the repair. It is essential to consult a professional PDR technician to determine if this method is appropriate for your vehicle's specific hail damage.

Can Your Windshield Be Damaged By A Hail Storm?

Windshields are another common area affected by hailstorms. The force of impact from hailstones can cause cracks or chips in your windshield glass, compromising its structural integrity and obstructing your view while driving. In some cases, heavy hailstorms may even shatter windshields entirely.

There are several options available for fixing damaged windshields caused by a hailstorm. Small cracks can be repaired with a specialized resin that fills the damaged area and bonds with the glass when cured under ultraviolet light. For more information on auto hail damage repair, contact a professional near you.

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