4 Types Of Hail Damage You Can Spot Immediately

There’s nothing worse than getting caught out in a hailstorm with your car exposed. If you don’t cover your car in the right way, it can get absolutely hammered. 

Hail stone size isn’t the only factor in hailstorm damage. The wind, as well as the duration of the storm, can also have an impact on your vehicle. 

Storms with higher wind speeds and longer durations are bound to cause more damage than short storms with low wind. 

The wind typically blows with incredible force and pours out worst on those surfaces that are facing away from where it’s coming from – so if there is an open spot near one side of a vehicle then chances are good they’ll have more extensive damage than towards another edge or corner with some protection against this particular weather condition present

How can you spot hail damage, and what can you do about it?
Is there a way to prevent hail damage in the future?

Hail can cause several forms of damage to your vehicle, so here are 4 signs to look out for, if you suspect hail damage on your vehicle!

Dents

Dents are one of the most common forms of hail damage you can receive after a storm. They will be more common depending on the severity of the storm, and can vary in size and depth.

Hailstones often leave dents that are conical, and they will appear on the hood, roof, and side panels of your vehicle. They can even appear on your door, sometimes making it harder to open.

Metal thickness can play a big part in your potential for damages from hail storms. The lightweight and durable aluminum is favored among modern models, and this metal also has the advantage of being less susceptible to dents than steel – though it’s more difficult to fix these types of dents as well! The good news is that comprehensive insurance will cover costs to repair dents and other damage caused by hail.

Paint Damage

As hail is falling, it can scrape against the sides and front of your car, leading to chips or scratches in the paint on your vehicle. 

This can happen regardless of the size of the hail, so check your vehicle thoroughly after a hailstorm. If you notice strange marks left behind after a storm, hail likely caused it.

Cracked Glass, Mirrors, Lights

If the storm is severe enough, hail can cause cracks in your windshield, or on your side mirrors, or even shatter the glass and tail lights.

If you notice any damage to the front or back windshield of your vehicle, be careful when entering, as there could be glass debris inside.

Missing or Misaligned Mirrors

Large hailstones can knock your mirrors out of place with enough force. In some instances, they can completely break your side mirrors off of your vehicle. Pay close attention both to the glass on the mirror and the alignment. 

A simple misalignment can be fixed quickly, but a torn off mirror will make your vehicle unsafe to drive for a while.

From Stormwise Hail Repair