Depending on where you live, your area can experience a number of hailstorms, some of which can leave dimples and dents in your vehicle. Over the course of owning a vehicle, many drivers have noticed dents from debris, other cars’ doors, runaway shopping carts and more. But first-time hail damage to a vehicle can be quite shocking when you don’t know what to expect. Here’s some answers to common questions people have about vehicle hail damage.
Is it Possible to Fix Dents from Hail at Home?
When your car sustains hail damage, you might be tempted to make repairs yourself. Don’t! Right now, it’s likely the hail damage can still be fixed using paintless dent repair techniques. However, by using a dent popping tool or other methods found online, you may make the damage worse by scratching the paint. If that happens, you won’t be able to fully fix the damage and restore the car’s resale value.
Only certified paintless dent repair (PDR) technicians trained in hail damage repair are able to effectively fix the dents present. Your PDR tech will properly light the area of the dents and use a variety of specialized tools to make your vehicle look like the hail damage never happened. They will then decide the best way to access the dent and choose the right sized tools. Then your tech will use the skills developed with rigorous training and years of practice to perform the quality repair you are seeking. To put it simply, a trained PDR hail damage removal technician will always be better suited to repair your vehicle.
Why Use Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) for Hail Damage?
Unlike getting into a traffic accident where the structure of the vehicle could be cracked or destroyed, hail damage is typically just visible damage on the external metal panels. Traditional hail damage repair may involve replacing a panel or two, or worse, filling and repainting over the existing damage – an expensive, long process that delivers inferior results. Both options are costly, and traditional repairs that require repainting don’t restore the value of your vehicle. With PDR, you’ll have all of your dents from hail repaired in a cost-effective, efficient process. In fact, experts say that 80% to 90% of dents can be repaired using paintless dent removal techniques. By the time your PDR technician is done, your car will look as if the hail storm never happened.
How Can I Protect My Car from Hail Damage?
First, you can make sure there’s enough space for your car in your garage. Finding covered parking is the best way to protect your vehicle from hail. Ideally, you’ll want a garage with four walls, but a covered carport can get the job done, too. If you can’t find covered parking, you’ll want to carry extra blankets in your trunk to drape over your car in the event of hail. Covering your car with thick blankets can help soften the blow of hail and may even help prevent dents. Finally, make sure you’re watching the weather. If the forecast calls for rain or hail, be prepared to find covered parking or cover your car with the blankets you have with you.
If you live in an area that experiences frequent hail storms then you need to know the best way to repair those dents. Instead of replacing the panel or attempting a DIY repair, contact a PDR hail damage removal specialist. At Dent HQ, we offer free estimates, top-notch repairs, premier customer service and hail damage insurance claims assistance. Contact us today to speak to our experts!
Back to News list