Hail can seem like little more than a nuisance in Colorado since it is so common, but it can seriously damage your car. And since that damage is usually hard to spot, you might not even know it’s there until it’s too late.
If you were unable to shelter your vehicle before the hail storm, it’s essential you make time to inspect it for hail damage. However, this can be tricky because it can be very hard to see hail damage on a car when it is from small pellets.
We will look at 5 steps you should take right away when inspecting your hail-damaged car.
Step 1: Check the Glass Components
Look for any cracks, chips, or dents in the windshield, windows, and mirrors.
Even if the damage appears to be small, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. This is because once the glass is compromised with small cracks, it’s only a matter of time until the damage spreads.
When it comes to your windshield, any cracks or chips can obstruct your vision while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. A good mechanic can tell you how urgent the repair to your windshield is depending on the damage.
Step 2: Assess the Peripherals
After you have checked all of the glass, it’s time to move on to the car’s peripherals. This includes things like the side view mirrors, the antenna, and the wipers.
As with the glass, look for any cracks or chips in these parts of your car. These components are usually made of plastic or metal, so they can be easily dented or cracked by hail.
For mirrors, be sure to test that they are still fully functional after the storm. You should be able to adjust them without any trouble and they should not be loose.
Step 3: Search for Visible Dents
The next step is to search for any visible dents on the body of your car. These can be difficult to spot, but they are usually more prevalent on the hood, trunk, and roof of the car.
Be sure to not forget about the sides of your car, since bouncing hail can leave dents there as well.
Step 4: Use Additional Lighting
If you are having trouble spotting any dents, try using additional lighting.
An easy way to do this is to get your car into a garage and turn on the overhead light. This will help you to see any dents that might be hiding in the shadows.
Another option is to use a flashlight to shine directly onto the car’s surface while running your hand across your car. This is useful for spotting micro-dents that can cause problems down the road.
Step 5: Get Your Car Inspected by a Professional
If you’re still unsure if your car has hail damage, the best thing to do is take it to a professional auto hail repair technician. They can spot hail damage that you might have missed and help you to get your car repaired as soon as possible.
Hail damage can seem minor, but if left unrepaired it can cause serious problems for your car down the road. By taking the time to inspect your car after a hail storm, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle.
