Types of Hail Damage to Cars

Discover the various types of hail damage - dents, dings, chipped paint, and scratches - that can affect your vehicle, and learn how to protect against them.

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Driving through a hailstorm can be a stressful experience, especially when it results in damage to your vehicle. Hail damage can be categorized into two types: cosmetic and structural. Often, vehicles suffer from both after a severe storm.

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Understanding the extent of the damage helps you decide the best course of action. Below, we explore the most common types of hail damage and how to find a professional repair team to address them.

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Cosmetic Damages

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Cosmetic damages affect your vehicle's appearance but do not compromise its safety or performance. Sometimes, these issues are so minor that they might go unnoticed during the storm. Examples include:

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• Dents and dings
• Chipped paint
• Cracks

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Let’s take a closer look at these categories.

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Dents and Dings

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When a hailstone strikes your vehicle, it can leave behind a depression. The size of the depression determines whether it’s classified as a ding or a dent:

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• A ding is typically no larger than one centimeter in diameter and often does not expose metal or damage the paint.
• A dent is larger than one centimeter and may expose metal, increasing the risk of rust and necessitating immediate repair.

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Chipped Paint

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High-speed hail impacts can chip the paint on your vehicle, especially when the hailstones are larger or the impact is more forceful. Repairing chipped paint often requires repainting the affected area, making this damage more complex than fixing dents or dings.

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Cracks

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Cracks are the most severe type of cosmetic hail damage, as they not only affect the surface but can also weaken the vehicle's overall structure. Cracks can occur in various areas, including:

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• The windshield
• The windows
• The car body

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Cracks demand immediate attention as they can lead to more serious issues over time.

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How Paintless Dent Repair Can Help

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For dents and dings caused by hail, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a highly effective solution. This technique avoids DIY risks, ensuring safe and professional restoration of your vehicle.

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PDR specialists use tools to massage the metal from beneath the car body, preserving the original paint and structure. This non-invasive method:

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• Restores your vehicle’s appearance
• Maintains the original factory finish
• Protects the resale value of your vehicle

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PDR is the ideal choice for retaining the integrity of your car while addressing cosmetic hail damage.

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Structural Damages

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Structural damages impact your vehicle's safety, performance, and functionality. They often fall into two main categories:

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• Engine damage
• Frame damage

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While hailstorms rarely cause engine damage, it’s crucial to repair any safety-related issues immediately.

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Frame Damage

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Hailstones can warp or bend the car’s frame, affecting its drivability and road handling. If your vehicle performs poorly or feels unstable, frame damage could be the cause.

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Broken Windshields

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A broken windshield poses both safety and visibility hazards, categorizing it as structural damage. Severe hail impacts can crack the windshield and often result in damage to the side or rear windows as well.

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Repair Options

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While minor frame damage may be repairable with PDR, more extensive issues require traditional methods. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs may include:

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• Replacing panels
• Installing new windshields or windows
• Repainting affected areas

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Professional repair services, like those offered by 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair, ensure comprehensive care. All service appointments include a free rental car while your vehicle is restored, and detailing services to complete the process.

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Identify and Repair Hail Damage to a Car

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Dealing with hail damage is never easy, but identifying the issues and understanding your repair options can simplify the process. Let professional technicians assess and address the damage to restore your car to its original condition.

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If you’re in Denver and need hail damage repair, schedule a custom estimate today!

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