After our last car died, my husband and I decided to do a little research before buying a new car. We bought the previous car without a lot of thought, and it showed. Instead of lasting the length of the loan, the car started having problems right around the time the warranty ran out. We decided that it would be smart to invest a little time into research, so that we could avoid making a similar mistake in the future. This blog is a collection of articles about cars and automotive accessories, so that you can do a lot of research without making a lot of effort.
If you live in an area prone to hail, you are already quite familiar with how damaging the result can be. Hail often varies in size from chunks the size of tiny pebbles to pieces as big as softballs. Hail can have a damaging effect on your vehicle, particularly if you have no safe place to park your car, such as in a garage. Understanding how hail can impact your vehicle can further assist you in addressing the damages.
Damage to Your Paint Job
Hail damage seems to be more frequent in recent years. In fact, a 2013 report shows that insurance claims connected to hail damage increased by approximately 84% in 2012 compared to that of the claims filed in 2010.
Smaller pieces of hail can leave scuff marks on your vehicle's paint job. Although scuff marks do not impact the way your vehicle runs and drives, they can be unsightly. Fortunately, you can fix minor scrapes and scuff marks caused by smaller pieces of hail with items you may already have in your garage. All you need is a polishing compound and some touchup paint.
Polish the scuff mark area using a soft, round, polishing pad. Work the polish in using circular motions. After you are sure the area is polished, apply your touchup paint to the area. If the color appears a bit duller than the paint job on the rest of your vehicle, apply a bit of automotive clear coat to the area. Make sure you check the manufacturer's website for your vehicle to ensure you choose the right color touchup paint.
Damage to the Metal Frame
Larger pieces of hail can have a far more devastating impact on your vehicle. In fact, larger pieces of hail can dent the metal frame of your vehicle. Again, dents and dings will not prevent you from driving your vehicle, but it is not the most trending look for a vehicle.
Unless you are familiar with the process of fixing dents, it is better to contact a professional. If you are determined to use the DIY approach, you will need to use a body filler, sandpaper, and perhaps a rubber mallet. You can use the rubber mallet to bang out the dent. If the dent refuses to budge, you may have to use a body filler to fill in the dent and a sanding method to smooth out the filler.
Keep in mind that you may cause further damage to your vehicle if you attempt your own repairs. If you cause more damages to your vehicle, it could also have you spending more to fix the damages. Therefore, a professional is your best bet.
Damage to the Glass
Large pieces of hail may hit your windshield, which may cause it to crack or even shatter. A cracked or shattered windshield can prevent you from driving your car. In many states it is illegal for you to drive with a crack in your windshield. A crack may impair your visibility, therefore posing a hazard to you and other drivers on the road.
It is not recommended that you attempt your own windshield repairs. Instead, speak to an auto body professional near you for help. A professional can provide you with the repairs you need in a timely fashion, therefore allowing you to get your vehicle back on the road.
Keep in mind that it may save you money to go through a professional. If you file an insurance claim for hail damage on your vehicle, the insurance company will likely cover the cost of your repairs. Make sure you file a claim as soon as possible in order to address any hail damage done to your vehicle.
For more information about getting repairs for your vehicle, you can navigate to this site or others like it.
Share23 September 2015
