How hard does hail have to hit a car to cause damage?

Scientifically Speaking

The Physics of Hail

Our elementary school science teacher taught us that all objects fall at the same speed. When it comes to hail, the same theory holds true. It isn’t the speed at which hail falls, it is the size of the hail that is hitting your vehicle. A hailstone the size of a pea won’t cause damage but the quarter-sized hailstones, that is an entirely different story.

It’s All In The Angles

Hailstorms that occur with little to no wind depends solely on gravity. Hoods, trunks, and roofs are the most vulnerable to hail damage.  If the wind is so intense that it blows the hail sideways, then it’s going to damage vehicle panels that would otherwise be out of harm’s way. Windshields get broken and doors get bruised and battered.

Material Make a Difference

Another aspect to consider is the panel material the hail is hitting. Different makes and models have different grades and thicknesses of metal. The thicker or more durable the material, the less damage your vehicle will sustain.

Avoid the Hailstorm

The best way to protect your vehicle from hail damage is to shelter your vehicle if a storm is producing any type of hail anywhere in your vicinity. If you don’t have access to shelter, shopping malls and city parking garages are a good place to start looking.

One last thing: make sure your vehicle has comprehensive coverage if you expect to get it repaired if it is damaged due to weather events.

If your vehicle has hail damage, we are here to help. Schedule a free hail damage inspection online or give us a call to get started with the auto hail repair process.