How To Protect Your Windshield From Hail?

Hailstorms are one of the most destructive phenomena in the weather, and they cause significant damage to your car, especially the windshield. Hail impacts can affect repairs and significantly deflate the value of your vehicle. 

To protect your windshield from hail, stay updated on weather warnings and other information about hail by shielding it with hail-proof windows. Park under covered structures like carports or garages. For windshield protection, use hail-resistant covers. Consider strengthening the windshield with protective films or laminated glass. Upon damage, document everything and ascertain insurance coverage to file a smooth claim.

Understanding Hail Damage to Windshields

Hail is formed from water droplets taken into areas of the atmosphere that are very cold by the updrafts within a thunderstorm, which freeze the droplets into pellets. Depending upon the conditions of the storm, pellets may range in size from pea-sized to being as large as golf balls or bigger. A windshield's impact from hail may cause chipping, cracking, or shattering. Several factors determine how significant hail causes damage:

• Size of the Hailstones: The bigger the hailstones are, the more damage they cause.
• Speed of the Wind: The wind may carry hailstones faster, thus increasing their impact force.
• Distance from the Storm: Vehicles closer to the storm are more likely to suffer from full-force impacts.
• Windshield Quality: High-quality windshields support better impacts than others.

Understanding all these factors makes it clearer why preparation before a hailstorm is essential.

Tips to Protect Your Windshield from Hail

Here are some tips to safeguard your car’s windshield from hail.

1: Plan Ahead: Monitor Weather Alerts

One of the best ways to care for your car is to stay one step ahead of the weather. Sign up for weather alerts or download a smartphone app to get weather updates in real-time about approaching hail storms. Here's what you can do:

• Enable notifications for weather alerts on your smartphone.
• Check the forecast daily, especially during hail-prone seasons.
• Plan alternative parking to ensure safety if a storm is expected.

2: Park in Covered Areas

Parking your car under a solid roof is the best way to shield it from hail damage, such as:  

• Garage: The safest source to protect your car.
• Carports: These are effective and inexpensive, especially when hail storms occur often.
• Temporary shelters: Portable car shelters are very good if you do not have a garage.
• Multi-level parking: If you're in a public area, choose underground or covered parking spaces.

3: Use a Windshield Cover

Consider full-body car covers intended for hail storms to ensure complete coverage. The padded car cover will cover the windshield and the entire car completely. Consider the following benefits provided by hail-protective car covers.

• Impact absorption: This reduces the hail stones crashing against your vehicle.
• Weatherproofing: Protection against rain and UV damage.
• Reusable: It proves to be very cost-effective for repeated use.

4: Invest in Hail-Protective Car Covers

Hail-resistant windshield covers absorb hailstones and do not damage the glass. They can be stored in your car's trunk when not in use. Windshield cover features to consider:

• Durability: Heavy-duty materials such as polyester or EVA foam are best used.
• Ease of use: The cover should fasten easily and securely to your car.
• Size: Choose a cover that fits your vehicle’s windshield perfectly.

5: File an Insurance Claim Wisely

Sometimes, your windshield may still suffer hail damage despite your best efforts. Handling an insurance claim on your own can save you time and money. Some tips on claim filing:

• Document the damage: Capture clear photos of the windshield and surrounding areas.
• Check your coverage: Make sure that your comprehensive policy covers hail damage.
• Act quickly: File the claim in time to expedite windshield repair services.

6: Avoid Parking Your Car Under the Tree

Parking under a tree may offer shade and protection from hail, but it has several risks.

• Falling Branches: Windy storms break some branches, damaging your car.
• Sap and Bird Droppings: Sap from trees may drip on your car and the ground, attracting birds and creating sticky residues and unsightly stains.
• Limited Visibility: Parking under trees may limit your view and pose hazards when navigating the area.
• Pests: Trees attract insects. Some of these insects may get into your car and cause problems.

7: Drive Your Car in the Direction of the Hail

It doesn't appear intelligent to drive towards hail, but sometimes, it's quite effective because your windshield will not take that full impact. It seems best suited for an open road with minimal obstacles or barriers in your path. However, do not risk your safety because the conditions deteriorate and visibility decreases.  Seek immediate consultation with a windshield repair professional before the condition worsens.

8: Strengthen Your Windshield

Modern technology offers solutions to enhance your windshield’s durability. Applying protective coatings or opting for laminated glass can help it withstand hail impacts better. Protective measures include:

• Windshield Protection film: A transparent film adds a layer of defense against cracks and chips.
• Laminated Glass: Stronger than traditional glass, it resists shattering upon impact.
• Choose Repair or Replacement for Existing Damage: Fix chips and cracks promptly to prevent them from worsening during a hailstorm.

Will Hail-proof Cover Protect the Car?

A hail-proof cover can significantly protect your car from hail damage. Here are some benefits of hail-proof covers:

• Impact Resistance: These covers are designed with padded materials to absorb the force of hail, significantly reducing the likelihood of dents and cracks.
• Durable Construction: Often made from strong, weather-resistant fabrics, they withstand harsh conditions and provide long-lasting protection.
• Easy to Use: Hail-proof covers can be quickly deployed, making them convenient for sudden storms.
• Versatility: Suitable for various vehicle types, from sedans to trucks, ensuring broad applicability.
• Additional Protection: Besides hail, they shield against UV rays, tree sap, and bird droppings, providing overall vehicle care.

Conclusion

Protecting your windshield from hail requires preparation, practical tools, and proactive measures. These tips and strategies include having weather alerts to stay updated, parking under a garage or carport, using hail-resistant windscreens and car covers, and, if possible, having protective films or laminated glass on the windshield. Document the damage and inquire about your insurance coverage to file a smooth claim. Auto glass repair specialist can help ensure your windshield is ready for any storm with expert repair and protective solutions.