Can Small Hailstones Dent a Car?
2 Answers
Small hailstones can dent a car. When encountering hail while driving, you should: 1. First reduce your speed and avoid accelerating, as accelerating increases the impact force when hailstones hit the vehicle; 2. If there is no underground parking nearby, find a safe place to park the car. Passengers should move to the rear seats, as the front windshield poses a risk of cracking or shattering during severe hail, which could endanger the lives of those inside the vehicle; 3. If there is a large supermarket or shopping mall nearby, drive there immediately. Large supermarkets or shopping malls often have underground parking lots where you can park your car to avoid the hail.
I remember one year when my car was parked outside, a small hailstorm left several tiny dents on the hood. The hailstones were only the size of soybeans but fell fast and hit hard—the car's metal is thin, so even slightly hard impacts can cause deformation. This is common because the speed of hail combined with gravity means small particles can damage the car like marbles. I learned my lesson and now, if the weather forecast predicts hail, I immediately move the car into the garage or cover it with a thick car cover. Also, when inspecting, pay close attention to the roof and doors—these areas are prone to dents. If you spot them early, get them fixed with cosmetic repairs. Don’t wait until rust worsens the problem—safe driving is more important.
