Will Small Hailstones Cause Dents on a Car?

[VonNolan]

Hailstones can not only dent a car but also potentially damage the windshield. Therefore, it is essential to take protective measures. Additional information: 1. Hail prevention: Park the car in a garage or indoor parking lot; use a car hail protection cover; cover the car with a quilt to prevent hail damage, as the elasticity of the quilt can cushion some of the impact force of the hailstones, acting like a protective layer for the car. 2. Preparation: Before hail occurs, check the weather forecast and prepare in advance by covering the car with a car cover or a specialized hail protection cover. If unprepared, using a blanket or mattress can also help. 3. Response measures: If caught driving during a sudden hailstorm, immediately drive to an underground parking garage or find a safe place to stop the car. When driving in hail, remember not to drive too fast, as accelerating increases the impact force between the hailstones and the car's surface, potentially causing more damage.

[CharlieRose]

I recently experienced a hailstorm where small hailstones, about the size of rice grains, hit my car. After checking the body, I noticed some tiny spots—not deep dents, but more like scratches on the paint. There were a few shallow marks on the hood, and the mechanic called them micro-dents, mainly because the hailstones were too small to penetrate the car's outer layer due to their weak impact. However, he warned that larger hailstones, like cherry-sized ones, pose a higher risk and could leave noticeable dents. Even small hailstones hitting densely might accelerate paint aging, leading to water seepage and rust. Now, whenever there's a hailstorm warning, I quickly park my car in the garage or cover it with thick cloth for protection. Paying attention to these small details can extend the car's lifespan, so I advise fellow car owners to stay alert to weather changes.

[LaEmery]

From the size of small hailstones, those typically under one centimeter in diameter usually don't cause dents but may leave fine scratches. The principle is simple: the combined mass and velocity of hail, if the kinetic energy isn't sufficient, can only affect the surface layer of the paint. The material of the car also plays a role; aluminum bodies are more prone to marks than steel ones. In reality, I've seen cases where pea-sized hailstones fell densely, leaving the car body covered in tiny dots—not deep dents, but repairs can still be costly. For prevention, it's advisable to use a car cover or find shelter in advance; these measures are low-cost but highly effective. Remember, the larger the hail, the greater the damage, so take precautions early. After a hailstorm, inspect the entire car promptly without delay.

[Emmy]

Small hailstones generally do not cause large dents, mainly posing a risk of surface scratches. Due to their small size, hailstones lack sufficient impact force to damage the car's structure, but the paint may be affected. I've noticed that the hood is most susceptible; minor damage, if left untreated, can accumulate into rust. The key to protecting your car is prevention: try to park indoors or use a car cover. Seek shelter promptly during hail, and simple polishing for repairs is low-cost.