A hail storm can damage your car's windows, metal, and paint, but there are steps you can take to protect your car. If a storm is approaching, park your car in a safe place. A garage or carport will protect the car, as well as public carports. You can also cover it as well as possible with a car cover, if you have one, sheets, tarps or even the mats if you don't have anything else.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Driving in the hail
Step 1. Park under a bridge, if you can, for shelter
If you are driving and hail begins to fall, find the nearest shelter for the car. Roofed bridges and gas stations are perfect options for a last-minute shelter if you're in the car and it's starting to hail.
Step 2. Drive into the hail if it has already started to protect the side windows
The windshield is usually made of stronger glass than the side windows of the car. If you're driving and it starts to hail, head into the storm so it hits the windshield instead of the side windows.
Step 3. Park next to a building on the opposite side from which the wind is blowing
If the storm is coming from the east, parking on the west side of a large building will protect you from the hail. Strong winds could blow hail past the car.
Method 2 of 4: Park the car outside
Step 1. Park in the garage, if you have one
If you have a garage, it is the best place for your car during a hail storm. Make sure you have enough room for the car (or cars). You may need to clean it up quickly if a storm is approaching. Make sure to park the car before the storm hits.
Step 2. Park the car in a covered space if you have time to prepare beforehand
If the storm is approaching, you can park your car in a nearby covered space. Some malls or stores have covered parking lots or garages. You can ask someone to follow you in their car to drive you home after you have left yours in a safe place.
Method 3 of 4: Cover the car
Step 1. Place the mats on the windshield if you don't have a cover or sheets
If you are away from home and get caught in the hail, you can place the interior floor mats over the car windows. These probably won't cover the entire windshield or rear window, but they do offer some protection.
Lay the floor mats over the windows with the plush side up. This way, the base or grip on the bottom of the mat will stay on the window and won't move much due to the wind
Step 2. Use a car cover
You can find them in almost every auto supply store and in the auto section of some stores. You should know the make, model and year of your car because almost all covers are specific to those characteristics.
Step 3. Cover the car with sheets or tarps if you don't have a car cover
Sheets or tarps protect the car and absorb the impact of hail, which helps prevent cracks in the glass, dents in the metal or damage to the paint. Cover the car with the sheets, from the rear window to the windshield. If you can, hang them on the sides to protect the windows as well.
- The more sheets you use, the better. You should have at least one layer of sheets to cover the entire car, but if you can put two or three layers, they will give the car more protection.
- If you don't have enough sheets, cover the windows first.
- Tape the sheets together. This will not damage the paint, but there may be a sticky residue left when it is removed.
Method 4 of 4: Take Hail Precautions
Step 1. Subscribe to weather alerts to give you time to protect your car
Most apps on smartphones send you bad weather notifications. Make sure you have that notification turned on. It will announce as soon as possible when the hail will arrive and give you time to protect your car.
Step 2. Build a garage if you don't have one
Some houses have garages. If yours has one, park your car underneath when a hail storm approaches. If you don't have one, you can buy one cheaply on websites and build it yourself.
- Economy carports typically cost $ 200-250 (compared to thousands of dollars for more expensive versions). You can assemble one in two hours or so.
- A garage with side walls is best as it will protect the car from hail coming from the sides.
Step 3. Buy a car cover if you live in an area where hail is common
If you've moved to a new place, research the weather. If you have a lot of hail storms in your area, invest in a roof. You can find them in almost every auto supply store.