How to Protect Your Car from Hail
By John Funk, June 27, 2023
Severe hailstorms are something that you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy, as the damage caused by hail can leave car owners paying a fortune to repair their vehicles. You may have to park your car outdoors if you are not fortunate enough to own a garage. During hailstorms, an uncovered vehicle can get absolutely hammered.
Your brilliant driving skills may ensure that your vehicle doesn’t get damaged due to accidents or collisions, but sadly there is quite a lot of damage, including hail damage, that occurs when you aren’t even driving. The hail size is not the only damage-determining factor. The extent of the damage also depends on the wind which determines the angle at which hail hits your vehicle.
Hail can cause cracks on your side mirrors and your windshield. If it’s severe, then it can even shatter your vehicle’s glass and tail lights. Hail can also lead to minor dings, crevices, and smaller and larger dents. Smaller dents may seem invisible and harmless initially; however, when left unrepaired, they can grow into larger indentations that can be very difficult to repair.
Hail can lead to scratches in your paint when it scrapes against your vehicle. If the scratches are left unrepaired, it can lead to rusting that can spread over time.
If you are wondering how to protect your car from hail without a garage, you have come to the right place.
How to Protect Your Car from Hail Without a Garage
Here are a few tips that will help you protect your beloved car from hail and prevent excessive repair costs that can be heavy on your wallet.
#1. Use Thick Blankets
If your budget is an issue, then thick blankets are one of your cheapest options. While covering your vehicle, you need to ensure that the blanket ends are tucked into the door, windows, and trunk lid.
Once the blanket has covered these areas, you should close them tightly to ensure that ice pellets don’t get through any gap; however, you should also make sure that it is not too tight, making it difficult for you to reenter your car once the hailstorm passes.
#2. Use Floor Mats
If you are debating whether you should spend money to purchase separate thick blankets for covering your car, you have another, even smarter option where you don’t need to spend even a penny – your car’s floor mats. These can be used as a hail windshield that will help you prevent some severe hail damage.
Remember, there are two sides to the mat – a softer side and a sturdier rubberized side that tends to be rough. Do not make the mistake of putting the harder side on the window as it can cause scratches. The softer side (carpeted one) of the mat should face the window while the rubberized side should be facing up.
#3. Use Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are an effective option for protecting your vehicle from hail damage; however, many car owners make the mistake of using thin cardboard boxes. Thin cardboard boxes may be a cheaper option, but they may disintegrate when they get wet – often, hailstorms are accompanied by heavy rains. In your attempt to save more money (using cheaper and thinner cardboard boxes), do not compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Thicker cardboard boxes are a better option than thinner ones, as the thicker panel ensures that your vehicle can stand the test of severe hailstorms – better survivability.
#4. Do Not Park Your Car Under a Tree
During hailstorms or heavy rains, the very first thing that car owners tend to do is to park their vehicles under a tree – this is more like a reflex action. They strongly believe that it will keep their vehicles protected from hail. However, parking your car under a tree or even near it during a hailstorm can be even worse.
Heavy winds can cause branches to fall on your vehicle, leading to some serious damage. If hailstorms are accompanied by lightning, it can be catastrophic for your vehicle as trees have a higher probability of getting hit by lightning, making it dangerous for your vehicle.
#5. Keep Track of the Weather
Checking local weather reports regularly will give you a clear understanding of when you can expect a hailstorm. This will help you take the necessary precautions as you have ample time to think freely without panicking.
You can keep track of the local weather through TV news channels; however, the better option is to install a good weather app or you can sign up for weather alerts on specific websites.
#6. Get Insurance Coverage for Your Vehicle
This is more like a backup option. If you were not able to implement the above-mentioned preventive measures effectively, you need a backup to cover your damages. Hail damage potential should not be underestimated as it may require expensive repairs costing thousands of dollars.
You should ensure that your insurance policy has comprehensive coverage as it covers damages caused by natural calamities as well – not just accidents or theft.
However, do note that even minor hail damage can result in insurance companies permanently listing it on things like CARFAX reports, which can impact your ability to sell it in the future. This should be only a last resort.
#7. Use a Car Cover
A top-quality car cover is not just an accessory but a necessity to protect your vehicle from hail and other damage. A durable, weatherproof car cover can easily prevent shattered windshields and hail dents on your prized possession.
A car cover with a near-perfect fit can act as a powerful weapon against hailstorms and other hazardous outdoor elements.
The Incredible Benefits of Using Seal Skin’s Hail-Proof Car Covers
At Seal Skin, we offer a wide variety of semi-custom-fit car covers that can offer superior protection against hail damage. Our unique selling point is that our smartly designed water-resistant covers are strong enough to prevent hail while also leaving sizable gaps for water vapor to escape. This prevents moisture formation that can lead to mold, mildew, and rot.
Our covers are made of multiple layers of fabric that provide excellent protection against hail and other destructive elements. Our covers are not just durable but are also affordable when compared to custom covers. In spite of a lower price point, our semi-custom-fit covers provide about the same level of protection as custom covers.
You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we will help you find the right car cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.
