Can Large Hail Damage a Car?
3 Answers
Ordinary hail can also damage a car because hail has a certain weight and falls from the sky with significant potential energy, which can cause damage to the car's windshield and paint. However, the extent of the damage depends on the size of the hail. Small hailstones, no larger than two centimeters, such as the size of soybeans, have minimal impact and generally do not harm the car. Cars have a certain level of resistance to impact, and in most cases, they will be fine unless the car's body or glass is of poor quality. Larger hailstones, such as the size of coins, some as big as eggs, or even tennis balls, are heavy and can cause significant damage when falling from a height. They can shatter glass and create dents or other damage to the car's body. When hail occurs while driving, it is essential to slow down and quickly park the car in a sheltered area, preferably an underground parking lot, to minimize hail damage. Covering the car's surface with blankets can also help reduce damage. Additionally, hail damage is covered under the comprehensive insurance policy provided by insurance companies. Car owners who have purchased comprehensive insurance can file a claim with their insurance company if their vehicle is damaged by hail.
I once experienced a severe hailstorm while my car was parked in an open lot. The hailstones were larger than ping-pong balls, leaving several dents on the roof and cracking the windshield after pounding down. I felt extremely nervous while driving, fearing the glass might shatter and hurt someone. Later inspection revealed obvious paint scratches, and the repair cost nearly five thousand yuan. Since then, I've been extra cautious about weather forecasts. Whenever hail is predicted, I either move my car to an underground garage or cover the body with thick blankets. It's not just about cosmetic damage; untimely repairs can lead to rust, compromised sealing causing water leaks, and long-term depreciation of the car's resale value, along with reduced safety. Prevention is truly crucial.
Throughout my career as an auto repair technician, I've encountered numerous cases of vehicles severely damaged by large hailstones. Customers often report their car roofs or hoods covered with dents and shattered glass. When hailstones exceed 2-3 centimeters in diameter, their impact force becomes powerful enough to instantly create deep dents or even penetrate thin metal panels. Repairing such damage can be troublesome - minor dents can be fixed with paintless dent repair techniques, but severe cases require panel beating and repainting, which involves significant labor costs. I strongly advise against parking vehicles outdoors during hailstorms; instead, find a garage or sturdy shelter. Regular maintenance should include checking for aged weatherstripping to prevent additional water leakage risks.
