With summer comes the potential havoc of hailstorms. Car owners often find themselves on the receiving end of Mother Nature’s icy wrath, especially in Texas. Hail damage is not uncommon, especially during the 6 months between April and September. Hailstorms can cost car owners a pretty penny in repair. By understanding the seasonal patterns of hail and applying smart preventative measures, you can reduce hail damage to your vehicle. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics will share more about hail season and how to protect your vehicle.
Seasonal Hail Patterns
Although hailstorms can occur at any time of the year, they are most frequent in spring and summer. This is when warm, moist air rises to meet colder, drier air in the atmosphere, creating the perfect conditions for hail formation. Regions with more frequent severe weather, like the central United States, also known as “Hail Alley,” sees an upsurge in hailstorms from late April to July. For those who live in Texas, we are no stranger to hailstorms and the constant expense of hail dent repairs. For this reason, it is essential to always be prepared and take steps to protect your vehicle from hail damage.
How Do I Stop Hail from Damaging My Car?
• Keep an Eye on Weather Reports: With today’s advanced technology, weather forecasts can predict hailstorms with reasonable accuracy. Make sure to check your local weather forecast often, especially if you live in an area prone to hailstorms.
• Indoor Parking: The simplest way to protect your car from hail is by parking it in a garage or under a carport. If you don’t have access to indoor parking, consider investing in a sturdy, padded car cover that can provide some protection from smaller hailstones.
• Protective Car Covers: While they can’t prevent damage from larger hailstones, specialized car covers can reduce the impact of smaller hail. They’re made from multi-layered, impact-resistant materials designed to absorb the energy of falling hailstones.
• Blankets and Floor Mats: If you do not have a car cover and a hailstorm is coming, thick blankets or even your car’s rubber floor mats can be used as a quick cover to prevent or reduce hail damage. Secure them onto your car’s exterior using duct tape or heavy items to prevent them from blowing away.
Can Hail Dents Be Popped Out?
Hailstorms can be unpredictable, and hail damage to your vehicle can be a major expense. By understanding seasonal patterns and preparing your vehicle properly, you can effectively reduce the impact of these icy invaders. As hailstorms are unpredictable you may find your vehicle damaged by falling ice. When your vehicle develops hail dent damages an auto body shop can help repair your vehicle. There are two major ways professional auto body shops will repair hail dents.
• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): This is often the preferred method for repairing hail damage if the paint has not been cracked or damaged because it is less invasive and generally more cost-effective. PDR involves using specialized tools to apply pressure and massage the dented metal back to its original form from the inside of the body panel.
• Traditional Auto Body Work: If the hail has caused extensive damage, or if the paint is cracked, then traditional bodywork might be necessary. This involves filling in the dents with a body filler, sanding it smooth, and then repainting the entire panel to ensure a seamless look.
Auto Repair & Body Shop Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
If your vehicle was damaged during a hailstorm and you need hail dent repairs, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics today.
