Protecting Your Windshield From Dangerous Hail Damage

Imagine driving down a peaceful country road in the middle of summer. Your windows are down, music turned up loud, and you're loving this relaxing drive. Then you start hearing some loud taps atop your car... and the weather quickly turns from sunshine to cloudy and dark. The taps are getting louder. Your vision is now completely blocked. You're in the middle of a hailstorm, and your vehicle and yourself are in danger.

It's best to pull over and remain inside your car during a major hailstorm, but you need to be especially cognizant of hail damage to your car's body and glass. Hail can break right through your windshield and cause major damage to your car's body.

Here are the six basic types of windshield breaks that need to be addressed by professional auto body shops right away in order to prevent further damages:

1. Surface pit breaks


2. Half moon breaks


3. Bullseye breaks


4. Cracks


5. Star breaks


6. combination breaks

Knowing how to protect your vehicle from these hail damages is an essential part of car ownership. Here are some tips for keeping your car safe during an intense hailstorm:

• Find protection -- If you’re driving in the middle of a hailstorm, your first responsibility should be to safely park underneath a covered spot.


• Use hail covers or blankets to cover your car -- If you are nowhere near parking garages or areas with covered parking spots, you should pull over and drape your vehicle with blankets or a hail car cover. Keep these items inside your vehicle at all times. If you’re really in a pinch and don’t have any blankets inside your trunk, simply remove all your car’s floor mats and drape them over your vehicle for protection.


• Pay attention to the weather reports -- Don’t just check your local weather forecast in the morning and go about your day. You need to have immediate alerts updating you right away if a hailstorm is approaching. Knowing when hail is on its way can help save you a lot of money on potential repair costs.

If you’re in need of hail damage, glass repair, or general auto body services in Chicago, give River North Collision Repair a visit right away.