Picture this, you are driving one day when all of a sudden a storm breaks out overhead and you find yourself being pelted by hailstones the size of grapes and larger. Not only will hails stones leave noticeable dents and impressions across your car’s exterior, these chunks of ice can smash windshields and cause other damage.
This scenario is all too familiar. The good news is that auto body shops and glass repair services have the equipment and experience to cost-effectively restore your car after it has suffered hail damage.
“DIY” Hail Damage Repairs Aren’t Reliable
You will find a whole slew of DIY Hail-Damage repair solutions on the market and even more “good ideas” on the internet. DIY proponents suggest using a hairdryer, leaving the car out in the sunlight and even using ice cubes to address the dings and dents. But, this will not always be effective and can cause even more serious problems that can potentially lower the resale value of your car.
The best option will be to take your car to an auto body shop after contacting your insurance company. The experts at the auto body shop will be able to inspect the car and apply the right restorative measures.
Professional Hail Damage Repairs
Most often, the damage caused by hail can be addressed in two ways. Your auto body professionals can suggest conventional or paintless dent repairs depending on the nature of your need.
Conventional Repairs
Here are some of the more conventional methods to address the dents and dings caused by hail to the car’s exterior.
Remove and replace
When the damage is very serious the part may need to be replaced. In this case, the panels can be removed from their positions and replaced with a new piece that can be painted just right.
Finish glazing
For damages that are not so severe, the paint can be sanded down in sections. After this the glaze paddy can be added to fill the dents. Once dried the area can be sanded smooth and the entire section painted over.
Body filler
In the same way a glaze finishes, this process involves removing the paint to reveal the metal below. Then the dents can be filled with the appropriate body filler. Once the filler has hardened the area is sanded and repainted. This is effective on medium to small dents.
Traditional heat repair
This method is often used on older vehicles that have thicker metal or on newer vehicles if the dent is large enough. Heat is applied with an oxyacetylene torch. This will help the metal expand and this makes it easier to restore. Then, once the metals have cooled, they can be easily repainted.
Paintless Dent Repairs
The latest alternative to doing any sanding or repainting work is called PDR, or Paintless Dent Repairs. Instead the auto body shop technician will address the dent from the inside out.
This is the most effective method for dealing with small to medium dings and dents, but it can also be used on larger dents so long as the metal has not been damaged. This method has been gaining popularity with insurance companies and driver’s alike because:
• It is cost effective.
• It has a fast turnaround time
• It doesn’t use any fillers or strong chemicals.
Professional Windshield Repairs
Hail can leave its mark on the windshield as well. While many drivers will ignore the smaller pits, chips and cracks, they can be very dangerous in the case of an accident. When you take your car to have the windshield mended, they will typically suggest one of the following repairs:
Crack repairs
If the damage can be addressed in this way, the cracks and pits in the windshield will be filled with a curable resin that matches the windshield. The idea here is to restore the structural integrity of the windshield.
Total replacement
Often times the size and/or the shape of the crack will not allow it to be addressed with such simple repairs. In this case, the entire glass will need to be addressed if you want to improve the safety of those traveling in your vehicle. You will find that windshield replacement technicians offer convenient mobile services and most insurance providers cover this type of work.
Reliable Hail Damage Repairs Right at Your Fingertips
If your car has been damaged by hail, you’ll surely feel frustrated. We have the skills and credentials to offer superior service at the price you need.
I like the idea of having conventional repairs done so my car isn’t in the shop for too long. A little bit of hail damage shouldn’t stop me from driving. A quick, paintless repair and I think I’d be good to go.