As any car owner knows, hail is an unfortunate part of winter in Canada. While hail can cause damage to many parts of your vehicle, windshields, in particular, are susceptible to hail-related cracks and chips. The best way to protect your vehicle is to park it indoors if the weather forecast calls for hail, but what if your home doesn’t have a garage?
Public Underground or Covered Parking
If your home does not have a garage, try and find temporary parking in your neighbourhood. Places like local malls or shopping centers often have underground or covered above ground parking garages that you could live your car in while the storm passes.
Car Cover
If you don’t have access to covered parking, consider purchasing a hail-specific car cover. Made of a lightweight but durable material, these covers can be placed over your vehicle and inflated with a built-in pump, creating a protective air pocket. These are easy to find at any auto or hardware store and are a great option for protection.
Use Blankets and Comforters
If you don’t want to invest in a car cover, you can make your own at home. Use thick blankets or comforters to surround the vulnerable areas of your vehicle and secure it with rope or tape. If you use this DIY method, be aware of where you are putting the securing tape as it can leave a sticky residue that may need to be washed off after the cover is removed.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
The best thing you can do to protect your vehicle before damage occurs is to purchase a comprehensive insurance coverage policy that includes hail damage. This will require a bit more work upfront, but being proactive can save you a headache if something does happen. If hail-related damage does occur, the team at Go! Glass can make your life easier by taking care of the insurance paperwork to have your windshield fixed.
If you have any questions about how you can protect your car from hail, or what to do if hail damage to your windshield occurs, give us a call or come to a location near you. Our team is here to make dealing with a cracked or chipped windshield a stress-free experience.