Will Pea-Sized Hail Damage a Car?
4 Answers
Pea-sized hail has minimal impact on cars and generally does not cause damage. Vehicles possess a certain level of impact resistance, and in most cases, they remain unharmed unless the car body or glass is of poor quality. Below are some measures to take when encountering hail while driving: 1. Seek Shelter: Try to move the car to a covered area, preferably an underground parking lot. If the car is parked outdoors, covering it with a thick blanket can help minimize potential damage. 2. Avoid Personal Injury: If there is no place to take shelter when hail strikes, quickly move to the rear seats of the car to avoid injury from shattered windshield glass. Additionally, hail damage falls under the coverage of a comprehensive auto insurance policy. Car owners who have purchased such coverage can file a claim with their insurance company if their vehicle is damaged by hail.
Hailstones the size of soybeans typically have a diameter of 5 to 8 millimeters and fall at speeds generally not exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. From a physical perspective, the impact force of this size is relatively minor, posing little threat to the metal body and paint of most modern vehicles. Such hail usually causes only slight dents or surface scratches and is unlikely to damage critical car components. However, older vehicles or those with thin paint layers are more susceptible to accumulating these marks. The key factors are wind speed and hail density, as prolonged and dense hail can exacerbate damage. During hailstorms, it's advisable to park in sheltered areas like garages or under canopies. Overall, soybean-sized hail presents a low risk, but potential minor damages should not be overlooked.
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered pea-sized hail several times. Each time it only left some shallow dents on the roof, which disappeared after polishing during car washes. Never had engine or windshield damage. The key is to stay calm and promptly find a parking spot to avoid being hit. Small hail usually isn't a problem, but with strong winds or dense hail, the body might get more dimples. Newer cars with thicker paint hold up better. I recommend checking the car body when it's sunny to prevent debris accumulation. Hail damage is minor and not serious – just take normal precautions.
During car repairs, I've seen marks caused by small hailstones. Hailstones the size of soybeans mainly scratch the paint or leave slight dents. The repair is usually simple and can be restored by polishing with a polishing agent. If not treated in time, rust may form in rainwater, increasing costs. However, overall, it does not affect driving safety or functionality. Checking the roof and hood is key. Clean up after hail. The probability of damage from small-sized hail is low, so don't panic.
