How To Protect Your Car From Hail? Discover 5 Effective Tips

When you purchase a car, it’s not only an investment of your money but also an extension of your personality. However, natural disasters can cause significant harm to your beloved vehicle, and hailstorms are one among them.

Hailstones vary in size from small balls to larger ones that may look as though they’re about to damage everything in their path. If you live in an area where hail is prevalent, it’s necessary to take preventative measures to safeguard your car against severe hail damage.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss five practical tips on how to protect your car from hail storms so that your ride stays in the best condition possible. Whether you park your car outdoors or have a garage at home, our easy-to-follow advice will help you minimize any potential damage.

“Hailstones can substantially decrease the value of your car if left unchecked. Follow our helpful tips to keep your car protected from hail damage.”

You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive gadgets to defend your vehicle during a hailstorm. With basic supplies and a little bit of time, you can prevent costly repairs and maintain the appearance of your car for years to come.

Read on to discover these effective tips that anyone can execute with ease.

Check The Weather Forecast

Why Checking the Weather Forecast is Important

If you live in an area that is prone to hailstorms, checking the weather forecast is essential. By knowing about the potential for severe weather, you can prepare your car and protect it from hail damage. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Hailstones can reach incredible speeds as they fall from the atmosphere, making them incredibly damaging to cars. In fact, larger hailstones can shatter windows and cause significant dents on the surface of your vehicle. Without any preparation or preventative measures taken, a strong hailstorm could leave your car looking like it went through a warzone.

Checking the weather forecast beforehand gives you an idea of when to expect a hailstorm. You will have plenty of time to take steps necessary to minimize the damage caused by the storm.

How to Check the Weather Forecast for Your Area

The first step to protecting your car from hailstorm damage is finding out when the storm might arrive at your location. Here are some ways to keep track of the weather:

• TV and Radio Stations: One of the oldest and most trusted methods for receiving weather updates is via TV and radio stations. Many networks, such as the Weather Channel, provide localized forecasts throughout the day.
• Online Platforms: You can also get up-to-date information on websites like AccuWeather or National Weather Service. These sites offer detailed current conditions, forecasts, and even allow users to set alerts based on their location.
• Mobile Applications: Many mobile applications exist today to help you stay informed about the latest weather patterns. Apps like Weather Underground and MyRadar provide the latest news, radar maps, and even offer severe weather alerts to help you stay ahead of storms.

While there are several ways to check the weather forecast, it’s always best to monitor multiple sources to ensure that you receive accurate updates on any incoming hailstorms. Remember to check your chosen method regularly leading up to the storm so that you can adequately prepare for its arrival.

“Many people feel that buying insurance is like betting against themselves, as though they won’t be able to collect if disaster strikes. But while no one wants to plan for disaster, everyone should take some measure to protect themselves against major setbacks … in most cases once damage occurs, it’s too late to minimize losses.” – Gene Spelling

The bottom line is, checking the weather forecast and staying informed about potential hailstorms is a crucial step in protecting your car from damage. By taking preventive measures, such as investing in a good quality car cover or parking in a sheltered area, you will reduce the chances of significant repair costs caused by hailstorm damage.

Find Covered Parking

Living in an area prone to hailstorms can be a major headache for car owners. Vehicles that are left outside during these heavy downpours can suffer from dented roofs, hoods, and trunks.

While there is no way to entirely prevent damage to your car during a hailstorm, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. One of the easiest ways to protect your car during hail season is by finding covered parking options near you.

Benefits of Covered Parking

Covered parking offers several benefits, especially during hail season:

• It protects your vehicle from hailstones
• It shields your car from UV rays, which can cause fading and cracking on the dashboard, upholstery, and other areas
• It ensures your car stays dry during rainfalls, which can lead to rusting and corrosion if water seeps into hard-to-reach places underneath the car
• It keeps your car cool and comfortable during hot summers, making it more enjoyable when you get inside after work or errands

If you want to maintain the look and value of your car, considering covered parking during hail season is a wise choice.

Where to Find Covered Parking Near You

Luckily, finding covered parking isn’t too difficult these days. There are plenty of parking facilities across cities big and small that offer this amenity at affordable prices.

You can start your search online, using services like ParkWhiz, SpotHero, or BestParking. These platforms allow you to compare rates and reserve spots ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about space availability when you arrive.

You can also consider looking at nearby parking garages or lots where covered parking is offered as an option. If you have a regular office commute, ask your employer if they offer any covered parking options or reimbursement programs for parking expenses.

How to Reserve a Covered Parking Spot

Once you’ve found a covered parking spot that fits your needs, it’s time to reserve it to ensure its availability during hail season.

To do so, visit the website of the platform where you found the parking spot and follow their instructions for booking a reservation. Generally, this involves selecting the start and end dates and times of your stay and providing payment information upfront.

Be sure to read the cancellation policy carefully before committing to a reservation, in case there are unexpected changes to your travel plans or weather conditions.

“We’re seeing more people being proactive about protecting their cars against extreme weather like hail. Covering one’s car with a thick blanket, tarp, or even seeking out covered parking can save thousands in damages.” -Patrick DeHaan, petroleum analyst for GasBuddy

Finding covered parking near you is both easy and effective in increasing protection for your car during hail season. With the variety of online services available, reserving a parking spot ahead of time has never been simpler.

Use A Car Cover

Hail can easily cause damage to your vehicle, leaving it with dents all over the body. To avoid such damages, car covers are an excellent solution as they keep the car safe from hail and other weather elements. This article will provide you with valuable information on how to protect your car from hail with a car cover.

Advantages of Using a Car Cover

Car covers not only keep your car safe from natural elements like rain, snow, and hail but also offer many benefits that make them worth investing in. One significant advantage of using a car cover is that it protects your vehicle’s interior from harmful UV rays which can fade the upholstery, dashboards and crack leather seats over time. Additionally, dirt, dust and bird droppings can accumulate on the exterior paint, causing unnecessary wear and tear, which can be avoided by covering the vehicle when parked outdoors.

“Using a car cover always ensures that the car retains its value, prolongs its lifespan, and helps maintain its aesthetics.” -Mark Thomas, CEO of Covercraft Industries Inc.

Types of Car Covers Available

There are different types of car covers available in the market based on their materials and purposes. Here are a few popular car covers:

• Outdoor Car Covers: These car covers are specifically designed for use outdoors and are resistant to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail. These often come with features like lockable grommets and reinforced edges to secure the cover against strong winds.
• Indoor Car Covers: Made of soft materials such as cotton or flannel, these covers are perfect for keeping your car clean while it’s stored in a garage or carport. These covers are easier to handle and more lightweight than outdoor covers.
• Heavy-Duty Car Covers: Designed for ultimate protection against extreme weather conditions, these covers are made of durable materials such as polyester and nylon. They also have additional features like thick padding to prevent any damages due to hail.

How to Properly Cover Your Car

The process of covering your car correctly is equally important to ensure maximum protection. Here is how you can properly cover your vehicle:

• Clean the car before placing the cover: Ensure that the car is clean before putting on the cover; otherwise, dirt and dust particles will scratch the body paint underneath.
• Select an appropriately-sized cover: Make sure you select a cover that fits perfectly over your car. An ill-fitting cover may not be able to protect it from all angles.
• Park in a sheltered location when covering: Find a suitable spot that’s safe from high winds and where the cover won’t snag on sharp objects or overhead branches.
• Secure the cover with ropes or straps: Once you’ve placed the cover over the car, secure it in place using ropes or straps to prevent it from being blown away by strong winds.

“One needs to take proper care while covering their cars during harsh weather conditions to maximize the effectiveness of the cover.” -Robert Stevenson, Director of Product Development at WeatherTech

Tips for Maintaining Your Car Cover

Maintaining your car cover ensures its longevity and protects your vehicle better. Follow these tips to ensure you get the best out of your car cover:

• Wash the car cover regularly: Regularly washing and keeping the cover clean prevents dirt from accumulating, which could damage the exterior paint.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals: While cleaning, avoid using bleach or fabric softeners that can harm the materials and reduce their effectiveness.
• Store in a dry place: To ensure longevity, keep the cover away from moisture and store it properly in a dry location.

Investing in a car cover is worth every penny as it provides all-around protection for your car against hail, rain, snow, sleet, and other elements. With proper care, maintenance, and usage, one can ensure maximum protection for their vehicle.

Make Use of Blankets or Mats

Hail can be one of the most damaging weather events for your car. It can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage, and it’s important to protect your investment. One way to do this is by using blankets or mats to shield your car from hailstones.

When to Use Blankets or Mats for Car Protection

It’s important to note that not every hailstorm requires you to use these protective measures. If you know that a storm is coming and it is likely to bring large hailstones, then using blankets or mats might be the right move. You’ll want to place them on top of your car and make sure they are secured so that they don’t blow away during the storm.

If you don’t have any warning about an incoming hailstorm, you can still take precautions. Always park your car in a garage or under some kind of cover if possible. If there’s nothing else available, try to find shelter under trees or other structures. These will at least provide some protection against smaller hailstones.

Types of Blankets or Mats to Use

When choosing blankets or mats to protect your car from hail, you have several options. One popular option is the “hail blanket,” which is made specifically for this purpose. The blanket is made with multiple layers of fabric and padding, designed to absorb and/or deflect hailstones before they hit your car.

“Hail blankets are great because they’re specifically designed to prevent hail damage to your vehicle,” says Ryan VanGrack, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Hail Protector. “The technology used in their construction ensures that impact forces absobed, directed off the surface, or both prior to contact with your vehicle.”

You can also use regular blankets or moving pads in a pinch. However, keep in mind that these materials may not be as effective at protecting your car from hailstones. You’ll want to layer several blankets on top of each other and make sure they are secured tightly.

Another option is the “hail mat.” This is similar to a hail blanket, but it’s designed to fit under your car instead of on top of it. The mat is made of multiple layers and absorbs impact force to prevent damage to your vehicle’s underside.

No matter which type of blanket or mat you choose, be sure to secure it tightly over/under your car with bungee cords or straps so that it doesn’t blow away during the storm. And, while these protective measures can help minimize damage from hail, there is no guarantee that your car will escape unscathed. Be prepared to take your car to a professional for repairs if necessary once the storm has passed.

Seek Professional Car Protection Services

Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior, causing dings, dents, and scratches. While there are a few DIY methods to protect your car from hail, professional car protection services provide the most reliable solution.

Why Professional Car Protection Services are Important

If you don’t want to suffer costly repair bills after every hailstorm, investing in professional car protection services is imperative. These services provide specialized coatings that create an extra layer of protection on your car, keeping it safe from damage during hailstorms.

Note that these coatings not only protect your car from hail but also safeguard it against other elements such as UV rays, saltwater, industrial fallouts, and more.

Types of Professional Car Protection Services Available

There are different types of professional car protection services available, each with its unique features and benefits. Three popular options include:

• Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic coatings provide superior protection since they create a permanent bond with the factory paint. This service eliminates the need for waxing and provides long-lasting protection against environmental hazards for up to five years.
• Vinyl Wraps: Vinyl wraps offer excellent hail resistance by covering the entire surface area of the car with a thick protective film. The vinyl wrapping also adds aesthetic appeal, enhancing the overall appearance of your vehicle.
• Polyurethane Films: Polyurethane films have self-healing properties, which means that any damage caused by hailstones appears less visible when exposed to sunlight or heat. Additionally, this film protects the car from rock chips and other minor abrasions.

How to Find a Reliable Car Protection Service Provider

When looking for a reliable car protection service provider, you should consider the following:

• Expertise and Experience: Check whether the service provider has sufficient expertise and experience in providing car protection services. This will give you confidence that they can provide quality service.
• Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews online to gauge the satisfaction levels of previous customers. This information can help you make an informed decision on whether to use their services or not.
• Pricing: Compare prices from different providers to narrow down your options to one that fits within your budget while offering high-quality services.
• Licensing and Insurance: Ensure that the service provider is licensed and insured, providing additional peace of mind knowing that you are working with a legitimate business.
• Warranty: Look for a car protection service provider who offers a warranty for their services. A warranty shows confidence and trust in their workmanship, as they guarantee their performance.

What to Expect from Professional Car Protection Services

Professional car protection services generally involve the following process:

1. Cleaning: The car’s exterior is thoroughly washed, dried, and decontaminated using special clay bars, waterless washes, and microfiber towels.
2. Preparation: Any scratches, swirl marks, or imperfections on the car’s surface are corrected by polishing it. Additionally, the surface is prepared for coating application by ensuring it is free from any residue.
3. Application: The car’s exterior is sprayed with the selected coating, which can be ceramic, vinyl wrapping, or polyurethane films. The product is evenly spread across the surfaces and allowed to dry for several hours.
4. Curing: After drying, the car is left in a controlled environment (often an enclosed facility) for up to 48 hours until the coating fully cures.

Once the process is complete, you should expect to have a car that has long-lasting protection against hailstones and other environmental elements, with little to no maintenance required on your part.

“Investing in professional car protection services may seem expensive initially but will save significant costs associated with repairing hail damage over the life of your vehicle.” -Erick Rosales

If you want to protect your car from hail, invest in high-quality and reliable car protection services that guarantee effective results. With the right service provider, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your car stays safe during hailstorms while maintaining its beauty and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions