How to Protect Your Car During Hail Season

How Hailstorms Can Damage Your Vehicle

Hailstorms are very common here in Colorado.  Our front range is located in Hail Valley, a part of the country known to be hit by numerous hail storms throughout the season.  In 2017, there were over 6000 hail storms across the nation according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

The damage dealt to your car or vehicle can range from minor to severe.  Common issues include dents in the doors, sides of the car, trunk, and especially the roof or hood.  Hail damage often cracks windows, windshields, and can even damage your door jams potentially causing your car’s doors not to open properly.  These damages can be very costly depending on the severity of the storm.

Image of hail damage on the roof of a blue car

Hailstorms Can Be Incredibly Costly

According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, we can typically count on 3 to 4 catastrophic storms per year.  They define catastrophic as a storm incurring at least $25 million in insured damage.  In 2017, a devastating hail storm caused $2.3 billion dollars in damages in the Denver metro area within a single day!

An uncovered vehicle can quickly and unexpectedly become riddled with dozens of tiny dents which can cost around $30 to $80 to repair per dent, depending on the size.  Not to mention the cost of replacing windows, windshields, or the occasional doorjamb issue mentioned above.

The Most Effective Ways to Protect Against Hail Damage

Preventing Hail Damage

The best way to save yourself from the costly headaches associated with hail is to be ready.  Taking all possible steps to prevent an issue before it’s too late is always our recommendation for proper car care and safety.  Ensure your car is safe from the storm with these tips:

  • Keep an Eye on the Weather Forecast: Pay attention for any mentions of potential hail.  If you park your care in the place where it is exposed to the weather you may want to consider putting in some time to set up email or text message alerts through a weather service such as Weather.com.
  • Park in a Safe Place: If you know hail is in the forecast, then the best thing to do is to move your cars, trucks, or recreational vehicles into a safe covered area.  Utilize parking garages, covered parking lots, covered carports, or any other protected area you can think of.  Don’t park under trees, as sometimes the branches can break and cause even more damage!
  • Wait Until the Storm has Passed: If you can, it is best to wait until the storm has passed until you get into your car and start driving.

 

Image of hail damage on a blue car

Protecting your Vehicle from Hail Damage

If you do not have a safe place to park your car, the next best solution is to protect it.  To properly protect your vehicle you’ll need a padded car cover called a hail protection blanket which can be easily found online.  You can consider using a non-padded cover which may help to prevent some damage and/or scratches, but these are generally not recommended for hail protection.

What to do if You’re Driving During a Hailstorm

Image of women driving during rainy hailstorm

Tips for When a Hail Storm Strikes When You’re in Your Car

If you find yourself driving and an unexpected storm hits, it is best to know what to be beforehand.  Follow these simple tips to stay safe during Colorado’s hail season!

  • Pull Over into a Safe Area: Look for a safe place to pull over, slow down your vehicle gradually, and park.  Driving during minor to severe hail can be incredibly dangerous, and it is best to simply wait it out.
  • Stay in Your Car: If it is actively hailing, don’t go outside as an unexpectedly large chunk of ice could cause injury or worse.
  • Wait for the Hail to Stop: Most hailstorms don’t last too long, so the safest and most responsible thing to do is to simply wait it out.
  • Be Ready if your Windows or Windshield Breaks: If the storm is severe you should be ready to cover your eyes in the event that your glass shatters. Consider facing the floor or lay down on your seat face down to prevent any shattering glass from causing a serious injury.
  • Protect Your Children: Move children away from the windows and cover them with your body if possible.  Make sure to cover their eyes too as well as your own.

Stop by your Local AAMCO Today for a Vehicle Courtesy Check

AAMCO services more than transmissions- take a look at our services page to learn why you should go to AAMCO first for all of your automotive repair needs.  Stop by a local AAMCO right away for a free Vehicle Courtesy Check and be sure that your vehicle is safe.

Interested in more car safety tips?  Take a look at our other safety and automotive maintenance related articles at our blog.

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