How Large Hail Can a Car Sunroof Withstand?
2 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 trauma to the car's windshield and paint. However, the extent of damage depends on the size of the hail. Smaller hailstones, no larger than two centimeters, such as those the size of soybeans, have minimal impact and will not harm the car. The following are the effects of hail damage on a car: 1. Dents: Body dents affect the car's appearance; if not treated promptly, the dented areas can accumulate water and dust, which may erode the paint over time. 2. Paint Damage: If the paint is damaged, it can easily lead to rust on the car body.
I remember a few years ago when I was driving on a trip and suddenly encountered a severe hailstorm. The hailstones were hitting the roof of my car with loud bangs. My car's sunroof is made of tempered glass, and that time the hailstones were about the size of marbles (around 0.5 inches in diameter). The sunroof only got some minor scratches but didn't break, though it scared me quite a bit. Actually, most car sunroofs are designed to withstand hailstones ranging from pea-sized to marble-sized, approximately 0.25 to 1 cm in diameter. However, larger ones like golf balls (about 4 cm) can easily cause cracks or shattering. It depends on the material of the sunroof; I checked the manual, and standard models with tempered glass have limited strength, while premium cars with laminated glass might be more resistant. Regular maintenance is crucial—clean the sealing strips periodically to prevent leaks, park in a garage during hail season, and prioritize indoor parking if bad weather is forecasted. Safety first—never underestimate the power of nature. If something goes wrong, repairs can be expensive and affect driving safety.
