Hail can cause significant damage to a vehicle. Aesthetically, it can dent the metal or chip the paint—but when it leaves you with a chipped or cracked windshield and limited visibility, it becomes a much more serious issue. If the forecast is calling for a spring or summer hailstorm, take the following preventive measures for safety’s sake.

How to Stop Hail From Harming Your Windshield

1. Listen to the Weather

Nebraska is one of the worst states for hail, ranking fourth among places that experience golfball sized pieces of ice. And while storms can pop up unexpectedly, certain apps on your smartphone will alert you to coming weather-related threats, so you can change your plans accordingly.

2. Park in a Garage or Next to a Building

Keep your car in a garage if you can. If you do not have one, consider investing in a carport for such situations. However, if the storm is imminent and there is no covered parking available, park as close to a building as possible. This will somewhat shelter your vehicle, especially if the wind is blowing in the right direction, possibly preventing a cracked windshield. 

3. Place a Cover or Floor Mats Over Your Car

If a hail storm occurs while you’re driving, the first step is to pull over until the storm has passed. While purchasing a special hail cover is a wise investment, floor mats can help to prevent a cracked windshield when placed over the glass. Place blankets over the vehicle’s body to lower the risk of other damage.

If your car was unlucky during the last hail storm, have your cracked windshield repaired by the team at Capital Auto Glass in Lincoln, NE. Their elite technicians specialize in fixing and replacing windshields and other auto glass. They also offer mobile services for their customers’ convenience. Call (402) 421-6653 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their offerings.