Missouri ranks within the top 10 states in the country where drivers report experiencing hail damage. This frozen precipitation can occur year-round, and it often manifests as small balls of ice that cause significant damage to automobiles and property. Hail dents are visible depressions that mar the body of a vehicle, decreasing its value and appearance. If you've experienced this type of dangerous weather, a paintless dent repair is the best chance at restoring your car's appearance.

What Should Drivers Know About Hail?

How Hail Damages Cars

Hail develops when water droplets freeze together in the upper regions of clouds, often during a thunderstorm. They can be as small as a pellet or as large as a baseball, reaching up to 6 inches in diameter. When the larger-sized pieces fall from the sky, they impact objects below, causing considerable damage. Storms are considered severe when the accompanying hail is at least 1 inch in diameter. Several factors, including wind speed and the length of the storm, can determine the extent of the damage to vehicles.

Affected cars often have significant and visible craters in their bodies. Paintless dent repair services can restore the exteriors when hail dents occur. However, when left unchecked, the depressions can cause paint to chip and metal to rust over time. This corrosion is infectious and can spread to other parts of your car if it's not treated.

How to Protect Your Vehicle

Always stay updated on the local weather forecasts. If a hailstorm is anticipated, park your vehicle under a roofed structure, such as a carport or garage. Since some incidents can occur without notice, try to use covered parking whenever possible. 

If you don't have access to this protection, consider placing thick blankets over your automobile until the inclement weather passes. You can also invest in a hail car cover. If you're driving when an unexpected event breaks out, pull into a gas station or seek shelter under a self-serve car wash stall. Check with your auto insurance company to verify that this type of damage is covered with your policy; if not, consider adding it.

If your vehicle has suffered hail dents and needs paintless dent repair, turn to DentKO Auto Hail Repair, Tints, PDR, & Window Tinting - Dents Removal in Florissant, MO. Their team serves drivers throughout the Greater St. Louis area. They have specialized in hail damage repair and window tinting for over 20 years. This auto body repair shop takes pride in its high-quality work at affordable prices, and they provide lifetime warranties for all completed jobs. They also offer pickup and drop-off services for their elderly customers. Call (314) 895-8468 or contact them online to schedule an appointment.