With a dramatic change in global climate, we continue to see severe weather spells every year. The frequency of hailstorms has increased, and so has the size. Hail can cause damage to vehicles, buildings and vegetation. The risk and severity depend on hail size and storm conditions.
If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, your car is at risk of getting hit by massive hailstones anytime. Some people believe windshields are designed to resist glass damage during hailstorms. Hail can cause damage to your windshield; the risk depends on hail size and storm conditions.
Let’s take a look at how hailstones can break your windshield:
A Small Crack Or Thin Lines
Even the mildest hailstorm can damage your screen. The gravitational pull increases the speed of the hailstones to such a limit they hit like bullets on your windshield. Eventually, one or two hailstones may cause tiny cracks in the windshield, but the damage is not that severe. However, these cracks can widen with time and become a safety hazard if left unchecked. Some small cracks may qualify for professional windshield repair. A technician must assess the damage against the service’s size, depth and location criteria.
Multiple Cracks on Your Windshield
A heavy hailstorm can hit hard at your windshield and crack it at multiple points. If your car is moving at high speed, the impact can be more severe, and damage multiplied. Sometimes, the damage is so severe that the hailstones shatter the glass and completely destroy the windshield.
Your Windshield Seal Loosens Up
If you hear rattling or sound of wind right after you drive through a hailstorm, there is a possibility that the impact of hailstones has loosened up your windshield’s seal. You may also notice leakage in your windshield. This happens because the impact of hailstones puts pressure on the windshield, which results in seals leaving their place. Such a situation demands immediate repair because the seal may break anytime and cause serious injuries to the passengers.
You Notice White Haze around Edges on Your Windshield
Hailstones may not always cause a crack or chipped glass. You may also notice a white haze around the edges of your windshield after a hailstorm. This is because the hailstones may have broken the PVB layer inside your windshield glass, and it has started to release itself from the glass sheets of your windshield. It may not block your view, but you may need a windshield replacement after some time.
Protect Your Car from Hailstones
Before a storm, park in a garage or other covered parking when available. If caught driving in hail, stop completely off the road when it is safe to do so, remain inside the vehicle and protect your head and eyes if windows break. Do not stop under an overpass. Follow current weather warnings and emergency instructions.
Instantly Call for Windshield Repair and Replacement Services
If you notice damage after a hailstorm, contact an auto glass professional about assessment, repair or replacement before driving. If damage blocks your view or you are unsure the vehicle is safe, do not drive it; ask about mobile service availability.
San Antonio’s Auto Glass Store offers a quick and reliable windshield repair and replacement for our valued customers. We offer mobile windshield repair and replacement in San Antonio, TX, to avoid the hassle of driving a car with a broken windshield. We also provide auto glass repair and replacement for bigger commercial vehicles. Contact us now to get a quote.
