Protecting Your Car From Hail
Hailstorms are a scary time for property owners, especially those with vehicles. If your car is parked in an open area, or you’re on the road when a hailstorm begins, don’t panic. There are ways to avoid or lessen the impact of these dangerous storms. At Smiley’s Glass, we want to give you the information you need to make smart decisions and we are here for you if you’re unable to avoid the storm.
Park in Covered Areas
Thunderstorms and hailstorms can strike year round. If you know you live in an area that is prone to these weather events, it may be worth it to invest in a covered area for your car. If you have a garage, park in it. If you don’t have one, carports are often worth the investment. Carports are relatively inexpensive and cost less than replacing your car’s windows and making cosmetic repairs. Parking in fully covered areas is the only guaranteed way to ensure that your vehicle isn’t damaged from hail. In a pinch, you may also try to park underneath large trees to cushion the impact of potential hail. If you’re on the road when a hailstorm passes through, you can seek shelter underneath a bridge or overpass, or pull over at a covered gas station immediately. The sooner you can get to shelter, the better chance you have of avoiding damage.
Car Covers
Many companies make car covers that fit specific makes and models of cars. These are not a guaranteed solution, but a car cover can help ease the impact of hail. Make sure that you have the correct specifications of your vehicle when shopping for a cover. If the cover you purchase is ill-fitting, it may not protect you when you need it. One other unconventional way to cover your car is with carpet or padded blankets when you’re in a pinch. This extra padding could help when you have no other options. If you are attempting to cover your car with blankets or carpets, the most important thing is to do so ahead of the storm. Your personal safety should always be your number one concern.
Get Alerts
If you have shelter in place and covers for times when you’re away from home, you could still benefit from staying on top of the current weather conditions. There are many reliable weather notification systems available on both desktop and mobile devices. Find one that suits your needs and install it. Make sure to turn on severe weather notifications, so that you have enough time to prepare for any heavy storms that could produce hail. The more warning you have of these situations, the better you can prepare and protect your car from damage.
Get Help Today
If you find yourself with hail damage despite your best efforts to mitigate it, give Smiley’s Glass a call at 804-320-7172. We can replace your windshield, door glass, quarter glass, rear windshield, and any other type of vehicle glass that you have. You can also request a free quote through our easy online quote request form. We guarantee all of our workmanship and make the effort to have your vehicle serviced within 24 hours. Don’t let hail damage sideline your travel plans.
