When it comes to car maintenance and repair, there are many questions that arise. One of the most common is whether or not hail can chip a windshield. Many people have heard stories of hail causing damage to cars, but can it really chip a windshield? To answer this question, it is important to understand the types of damage hail can cause and what steps can be taken to protect your windshield from hail damage. In this article, we will explore the answer to this common question and provide tips to help keep your windshield safe from hail.
No, Hail Chips cannot chip a windshield. Hail chips are small pea-sized dents that occur on the car’s exterior when hailstones hit it while a windshield chip is a star-shaped fracture. The two damages are not related and cannot be repaired with the same method. Hail chips are usually left as is, while windshield chips need to be filled with a resin to prevent the chip from spreading.
Can Hail Damage a Windshield?
Hailstones are frozen pieces of rain that form in thunderstorms, and they can vary in size from just a few centimeters to as large as a softball. But if all hail is made of frozen rain, can it really damage car windshields? The answer is yes, hail storms can cause significant damage to a car windshield. Although the size, shape, and speed of the hail plays a major factor in the damage caused, any hail can potentially cause harm to a vehicle’s windshield.
Windshields are designed to be strong and durable, but even the toughest glass can break or crack under the force of a hailstone. Depending on the size and velocity of the hail, a windshield can be cracked or shattered, leaving the car vulnerable to further damage. In addition to the potential for damage to the windshield, hail can also cause dents and dings in the body of a car.
Some car owners may be tempted to drive through a hail storm to avoid any potential damage, but this is ill-advised. Driving through a hail storm puts the driver and passengers at risk of injury if the hail is large enough and traveling at a high speed. Instead, drivers should pull over and wait for the storm to pass before continuing on their journey.
The Cost of Hail Damage
Windshield damage caused by hail can be expensive to repair or replace. In most cases, the windshield will need to be completely replaced, as cracks and chips can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. Depending on the make and model of the car, replacing a windshield can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
In addition, some insurance companies may not cover the cost of hail damage if the policyholder does not have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects vehicles against damage caused by hail, as well as other events such as theft, fire, and flooding. If a car is not insured with comprehensive coverage, the cost of repairing or replacing any hail damage will be the responsibility of the car owner.
Preventing Hail Damage
Most car owners want to avoid the cost and inconvenience of repairing hail damage to their vehicle. While it is impossible to completely prevent hail damage, there are a few steps that car owners can take to minimize any potential damage.
The first step is to park the car in a safe place during a hail storm. Parking the car in a covered area or garage can help protect it from the hail, while also providing a safe environment for the driver and passengers.
Another option is to cover the car with a tarp or other protective covering to shield it from the hail. This may not be an ideal solution if the hail is large and coming down at a high speed, but it can provide some protection in mild hail storms.
Finally, car owners should consider investing in comprehensive coverage for their vehicle. Comprehensive coverage can help offset the cost of repairing hail damage, and it can provide peace of mind during any hail storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can Hail Chip a Windshield?
Answer: Yes, hail can chip a windshield. The force of the hail hitting the windshield can be enough to cause it to chip, especially if the hail is large and falling at a high speed. In addition, the hail can also cause other damage to the windshield such as cracking or breaking it. It is important to have a windshield inspected after a hail storm to ensure that it is still safe to drive with.
Question 2: How Can I Protect My Windshield from Hail Chips?
Answer: To protect your windshield from hail chips, it is important to park your car in a garage or covered area whenever possible. When this is not possible, try to park the car away from trees that could potentially drop branches on the car during a storm. If a hail storm is forecasted, you can also cover the windshield with a tarp or blanket to protect it from the hail.
Question 3: What Should I Do If My Windshield Has Been Chipped by Hail?
Answer: If your windshield has been chipped by hail, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. The chip could potentially lead to further damage such as a crack or break. Having the chip inspected and filled will reduce the likelihood of more serious damage occurring.
Question 4: How Can I Tell If My Windshield Has Been Chipped by Hail?
Answer: It is usually easy to tell if your windshield has been chipped by hail. The chips will usually be circular or oval in shape and there may be multiple chips in the same area. You may also see a crack or break in the area where the hail chipped the windshield.
Question 5: Can Hail Damage Other Parts of the Vehicle?
Answer: Yes, hail can damage other parts of the vehicle. The hail can dent the body of the car, scratch the paint, damage the windows and mirrors, and damage the headlights and taillights. It is important to have the vehicle inspected after a hail storm to ensure that all parts are safe and functioning properly.
Question 6: Is Hail Damage Covered by Insurance?
Answer: Yes, hail damage is typically covered by comprehensive car insurance. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to make sure that your policy covers hail damage. Some policies may only cover certain types of damage or may have certain exclusions.
Large hailstones crack car windshield l ABC News
In conclusion, hail can chip a windshield, especially if it falls in large sizes. The size of the hail, the age and quality of the windshield, and the environmental conditions can all influence how much damage hail can cause. It is important to have your windshield inspected and repaired if it does become damaged. Proper care and maintenance can help reduce the risk of damage from hail.
