Hail protection?

Question

We are expecting heavy thunderstorms this afternoon, and some with possible baseball size hail. I was wondering, since my apartments don't offer any kind of protection for our cars, if I parked under a tree if that would help slow down the impact of the hail hitting my car? I know it won't stop it completely, but hopefully it won't cause as much damage. Any hints would be great. Thanks!

Nope, no garages or anything in this apartment complex, all of my friends live close to downtown. =(

Answer 1

Brilliant deduction! Yes, parking underneath a tree WILL help slow down the impact. But if they're baseball sized, even a gentle drop can leave a dent. Better than out in the open, though! If you have the time, go visit a mall or store with underground or multi-level parking, and wait out the storm there. Save your car, and do something useful, too. Once the front passes, the hail risk will be gone.

Answer 2

Baseball sized hail??? forget about it, if you don't have a garage, then you are out of luck. The only thing you can do is get a good car cover and put it on the car.

I had a Buick once and got caught with grapefruit sized hail, I thought every one that hit the windshield would come through. Luckily, the windshield didn't break, but it did damage every body panel . The insurance company came in with special estimators to help file claims. It was over 3000 in damage. It looked like someone took a ball peen hammer and pounded all over the car. Hood, fenders, 1/4 panels, and the trunk. It also, damaged the chrome items too.

Good luck and I hope you can avoid the storm.

Answer 3

Yes.... parking under a tree will protect the car from some of the hail, but you do run the risk of the tree or a large branch falling on the car and causing more damage than the hail would. Are there any places that you could pull the car under an overhang of a building... or some friends with a garage?

Answer 4

A highway overpass or a parking garage is your best bet. The tree will slow some of the hail but the falling limbs and debris will likely cause just as much damage. I saw someone tie two old matresses onto his car once but I didn't stick around to see the results.

Answer 5

Sounds like your stuck.....but......
if the storms coming from the south,
park the car up against the north side if the building. might cut your damage down.

Answer 6

go to a local parking garage.

Answer 7

Carpet, rugs, towels, blankets, anything to absorb the impact.

It will get wet, but it will dry.