4 Effective Ways To Protect Your Windshield From Hail Damage

Hail damage can wreak havoc on your entire car, from denting your hood to cracking your windshield. Even if your windshield is only chipped by hail, these chips can spread and turn into large cracks if you don't have them repaired promptly. If you live in an area with a large number of hail storms, it's a good idea to take proactive steps to protect your car and windshield. Here are four effective ways to protect your windshield from hail damage:

Have Covered Parking Spots in Mind

Thinking ahead of time about where you can safely park to protect your car during a hail storm will make it easier to know what to do if you learn hail is coming. Think of covered parking garages, car washes, and gas stations with canopies near your home or work that you can get to quickly if a hail storm strikes. You may want to program some of these locations into your phone's GPS map function, just in case.

Keep Blankets On Hand

Stashing thick blankets in your car is a good idea in case you are stuck somewhere during a sudden hail storm and don't have time to move your car to safety. The heavier and larger the blankets, the more effective they will be at protecting your windshield and the less likely they are to blow way during a storm.

Consider Investing in a Car Cover

Innovative car covers designed specifically to protect your car from hail and other inclement weather are placed over your car and then quickly inflated to protect your windshield as well as your car's paint. These car covers fold up to be small enough to slip under your seat or in your trunk, and can be purchased at most larger auto part stores. 

Double Check Your Insurance Coverage

It's not always possible to outwit Mother Nature, and you may find that even after following precautions you end up with a hail damaged windshield from time to time. It's important to double check your auto insurance before this happens. Make sure you have comprehensive coverage with glass repair, and a deductible that you can afford to pay if you need to repair or replace your windshield. Be sure to look around for the best glass repair options, starting with sites like http://www.econoglass.com.

By following these tips, you can help protect your windshield from hail damage. If your windshield withstands damage anyway, it's important to have it professionally repaired quickly before the damage spreads.