Protect yourself in a hailstorm – few driving tips

Weather conditions often change, and showers or hail may start without warning what are the most dangerous for drivers. Hail threatens not only the condition of your car, but also your personal safety. If you're caught in a storm, knowing what to do when driving in a hail storm can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay safe and how to protect car from hail damage.

Stay calm and assess the situation

If you find yourself driving when hail starts coming down, the best thing to do is stay calm. Don't rush quicker. Keep on driving slowly or stop in safety area, The best ceriant to stay under roof or fing underground parking lot. 

If the hail gets heavy, and you can’t see well, slow down gradually. Don’t try to race away from the storm because hailstorms can be a lot faster than they look.

Seek shelter

The most effective method of how to prevent hail damage on a car is to park under a solid cove. Look for:

• Gas stations with overhead canopies
• Covered parking garages or carports
• Tunnels or overpasses (only if lawful and secure).

Don't leave your car under trees — branchesbranches falling in a storm can lead to more harm.

After stopping, switch off the motor, apply the parking brake, and remain in your car until the weather clears.

Protect your windows

If no shelter is nearby, take quick action to protect windshield from hail:

• Use floor mats, blankets, or jackets to cover the windscreen if it’s safe to exit the vehicle.

• If time is limited, even placing a sunshade or dashboard cover against the inside of the windscreen may help absorb some impact.

• Whenever possible, turn the front of the car away from the wind, so the hail hits the rear, which usually has less glass area.

Staying inside the vehicle is safest — glass may break, but the car body provides more protection than being outside.

Use weather apps and alerts

Before a long trip, you should check the weather forecast in advance, especially in regions where heavy precipitation is frequent. Use reliable weather apps or services that provide real-time alerts and monitor storms.

After a storm, you can use inCarDoc to quickly diagnose the vehicle and check for any problems with the electronic system. Although the app does not provide weather alerts, it is a valuable tool for detecting hidden malfunctions in cars.

Be prepared ahead of time

Preparation is key. To be ready for unexpected hailstorms, consider:

• Carrying a thick blanket or a portable hail cover in your trunk

• Installing protective film on your windshield

• Keeping a sunshade in the car not just for heat, but for added windshield padding during hail

• Ensuring your insurance covers hail damage

All of these steps contribute to how to protect a car from hail damage more effectively.

Final thoughts

Knowing what to do when driving in a hail storm and taking proactive steps to how to prevent hail damage on a car can spare you costly repairs and ensure your safety. Use tools like inCarDoc to stay informed, detect damage early, and keep your car in optimal condition regardless of the weather.

Stay safe and remember, when it hails, it’s always better to stop than to risk driving through danger.