Can Small Hailstones Dent a Car?

[KathrynDella]

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.

[JasperLee]

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.

[McAna]

As someone who has been in long-term contact with car repairs, I've seen quite a few cases of damage caused by small hailstones. When hailstones are 5-10 mm in size, they can create micro-dents under high wind speeds—for example, the thinner materials on the roof and hood are prone to dents at impact points. Repairs usually involve paintless methods but are time-consuming and labor-intensive. I’d like to remind everyone not to park outdoors during hail season. The car's paint surface can also get scratched, leading to rust over time. For prevention, I recommend using a garage or protective cover—it saves both hassle and money. In short, small issues can accumulate into big troubles, so timely protection is key.

[OLondyn]

Hail forms when water freezes into balls and falls; even small-sized hail like peas can damage cars—higher wind speeds increase the impact force, causing the car's metal surface to dent. Simply put, denser hail can deform the car body, leaving dents. Monitoring weather warnings is one key strategy; staying alert to forecasts and avoiding risks by securing a safe parking spot is essential.