How Large of Hail Can a Car Withstand?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction regarding how large of hail a car can withstand: 1. Hail falling from high altitude: It possesses significant kinetic energy and can be destructive, potentially damaging the car's body and windshield, but the extent depends on the hail size. 2. Hail size: For smaller hailstones under 2 cm in diameter, the impact is generally minimal. Cars have a certain resistance capability, and in most cases, no damage will occur. However, larger hailstones, such as those the size of a one-yuan coin, some as big as an egg, or even tennis-ball-sized hailstones, carry substantial weight and can severely damage the car. This includes not only paint scratches but also shattered glass and body dents.
I have an old car that's been through several hailstorms over the decades. The dents on the roof are proof. Hail the size of marbles or eggs is dangerous. Tiny hailstones the size of a fingernail usually don't cause damage—the paint can withstand them. But when hailstones are larger than cherries, especially during high-density hail, the sheet metal can get dented. That one time I encountered hail the size of duck eggs, the hood was badly dented, and the windshield cracked. Later, I had to tow it to the repair shop and spent over 3,000 yuan to fix it. Experts say newer cars with lightweight aluminum bodies are actually more fragile than older steel ones, so hail resistance depends on materials and age. My advice is to park in an underground garage or cover the car with a hail protection blanket before a major hailstorm—otherwise, you'll just waste money on repairs. Weather forecasts aren't always accurate, so it's better to be prepared.
